Absorbent article with waist gasketing element and leg cuffs

ABSTRACT

A disposable absorbent article may include a chassis that includes a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet; and a leg gasketing system and a waist gasketing element. The leg gasketing system may include an inner cuff and an outer cuff; the inner cuff may include an inner cuff folded edge and an inner cuff material edge and the outer cuff may include an outer cuff folded edge and an outer cuff material edge such that the web of material is folded laterally inward to form the outer cuff folded edge and folded laterally outward to form the inner cuff folded edge.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/134,965, filed Mar. 18, 2015, the substance of which is incorporatedherein by reference.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to absorbent articles (e.g., diapers, adultincontinence articles, feminine hygiene pads) having improved leg cuffsthat yield a more garment-like article, as well as having improvedfunctional characteristics (e.g., reduced leakage, fecal materialcontainment).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It has long been known that absorbent articles such as conventionalabsorbent articles (e.g., diapers, adult incontinence articles, femininehygiene pads) offer the benefit of receiving and containing urine and/orother bodily exudates (e.g., feces, menses, mixture of feces and urine,mixture of menses and urine, etc.). To effectively contain bodilyexudates, the article should provide a snug fit around the waist andlegs of a wearer.

Current diaper designs frequently include the use of a barrier leg cuffto prevent leakage of bodily exudates and an outer cuff which provides acovering over the barrier leg cuff to minimize the visibility ofexudates through the barrier cuff and provide a secondary means tocapture bodily exudates should they breach the barrier leg cuff. Thebarrier leg cuff may be made using a hydrophobic nonwoven and may bedisposed on the body-facing surface of the absorbent article orconnected to the body-facing surface of the film backsheet layer. Thebarrier leg cuff may be a substantially liquid impervious layer thatprevents bodily exudates from passing out of the sides of the articleand may also be highly breathable, allowing outside air to reach theskin to help maintain a healthy level of skin hydration. In many currentdiapers, the outer cuff comprises the polymeric film layer of thebacksheet to provide high opacity required to cover the barrier leg cuffas well as to prevent molten adhesive from passing through the cuff tothe garment-facing surface of the article during manufacturing. Theouter cuff contains the outer leg elastic strands, which create thecontraction forces and gathers, and can be sandwiched between the cuffmaterial and backsheet material. The elastic strands in the leg cuffsare typically joined with molten adhesive during manufacture, and thehot adhesive generally has the potential to pass through nonwovenmaterials during manufacture, causing contamination of manufacturinglines as well as the potential for stickiness on the outside surface ofthe article. The polymeric film generally is used to prevent theseissues, however, results in a plastic-like look as well as a noisyapplication process. Because of manufacturing tolerances when cutting,tracking, and combining materials, the outer leg elastic strands aregenerally spaced inboard from the longitudinal edge of the article inthe crotch region. This prevents inadvertent cutting or exposure of theouter leg elastic strands during the manufacturing process. This designdoes not result in the outermost portion of the longitudinal edge of theproduct continuously contacting closely to the skin of the user duringwear. Thus, the ability of the elastic strand(s) to control the edge ofthe article diminishes as the distance between the outermost elastic andthe edge increases, leading to a more random distribution of largergathers which contact the skin at larger intervals or sometimes not atall. This effect can lead to user perception that the diaper may leakwhere the longitudinal edge does not contact the skin of the user. Inaddition, many articles currently available contain only two to threeouter leg elastics per side to create the gathers, increasing thedifficulty of achieving the desired appearance of a wide finished legcuff or more garment-like cuff such as the elasticized hemmed edge ofthe arm cuff of a sweater. If the elastics are spaced more closely, theresult is a narrow section of elasticized zone, which results in a lessfinished, less comfortable, and less clothing-like appearance. If theelastics are spaced farther apart, the gathers can appear to separatefurther from the skin of the user, leading to a perception of potentialleakage risk. As discussed above, this is driven by having less controlof the gathers between strands of increasing separation.

Accordingly, it is desirable to provide an absorbent article with afolded outer cuff design having finished edges with elastics that areclose to the edge to maintain a close proximity to the skin to createimproved fit, a more aesthetically pleasing, clothing-like design andimproved leakage protection.

However, even with the improved leakage protection provided by the cuffdesigns detailed herein, the most common mode of failure for absorbentarticles still occurs when body exudates leak out of the gaps betweenthe article and the wearer's legs and/or waist. When fecal material(e.g., runny bowel movement, a mixture of bowel movement and urine,etc.) is not absorbed into the topsheet and core of absorbent article,the fecal material can leak out of the gaps between the article and thewearer's legs or waist. In situations where a wearer exudes a higherquantity of fecal material—which is absorbed by the absorbent core moreslowly than urine—the fecal material may move laterally along thebody-side surface of the absorbent article and reach the barrier legcuff. Fecal material may also travel longitudinally along the barrierleg cuffs or longitudinally up the gluteal grove of the wearer towardsthe waist. Due to the movement of the wearer and/or a shortage ofavailable space under the barrier cuffs and/or within the absorbentarticle, the fecal material may leak out of the gaps between the articleand the wearer's legs and/or waist. This results in soiling, wetting, orotherwise contaminating the wearer's clothing or other articles (e.g.,bedding, furniture, caregiver clothing, etc.) that come in contact withthe wearer's leaky absorbent article.

Accordingly, it is of continued interest to provide an economicallyviable disposable absorbent article with the ability to minimize thenegative effects of bodily extrudate leaks, while also making it easierto clean the wearer when the soiled disposable absorbent article isremoved. To that end, it is of continued interest to provide adisposable absorbent article having sufficient retention capability tosafely and cleanly retain bodily extrudate away from the wearer'sclothing and/or skin throughout the expected time of article use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, a disposable absorbent article for wearing about thelower torso of a wearer includes a first waist region, a second waistregion, a crotch region disposed between the first and second waistregions; a first waist edge and a second waist edge; and a firstlongitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge; wherein the disposableabsorbent article includes a chassis including a topsheet; a backsheet;and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet;wherein the disposable absorbent article further includes a leggasketing system and at least one waist gasketing element; wherein theleg gasketing system includes a web of material forming an inner cuffand an outer cuff; wherein the inner cuff includes an inner cuff foldededge and an inner cuff material edge and the outer cuff comprises anouter cuff folded edge and an outer cuff material edge, such that theweb of material is folded laterally inward to form the outer cuff foldededge and folded laterally outward to form the inner cuff folded edge;wherein the at least one waist gasketing element has an inboard lateraledge, an outboard lateral edge, and two longitudinal edges; the at leastone waist gasketing element including at least one elastic material;wherein the at least one waist gasketing element is attached to: 1) thechassis of the disposable absorbent article and 2) the leg gasketingsystem, such that at least a portion of the outboard lateral edge of thewaist gasketing element is attached to the chassis and at least aportion of the outboard lateral edge of the waist gasketing element isattached to the web of material forming the leg gasketing system; andwherein the inboard lateral edge of the waist gasketing element isunattached to the chassis of the disposable absorbent article.

In another aspect, a package includes at least ten disposable absorbentarticles for wearing about the lower torso of a wearer, the disposableabsorbent articles including a first waist region, a second waistregion, a crotch region disposed between the first and second waistregions; a first waist edge and a second waist edge; and a firstlongitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge; wherein the disposableabsorbent article includes a chassis including a topsheet; a backsheet;and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet;wherein the disposable absorbent article further includes a leggasketing system and at least one waist gasketing element; wherein theleg gasketing system includes a web of material forming an inner cuffand an outer cuff; wherein the inner cuff includes an inner cuff foldededge and an inner cuff material edge and the outer cuff comprises anouter cuff folded edge and an outer cuff material edge, such that theweb of material is folded laterally inward to form the outer cuff foldededge and folded laterally outward to form the inner cuff folded edge;wherein the at least one waist gasketing element has an inboard lateraledge, an outboard lateral edge, and two longitudinal edges; the at leastone waist gasketing element including at least one elastic material;wherein the at least one waist gasketing element is attached to: 1) thechassis of the disposable absorbent article and 2) the leg gasketingsystem, such that at least a portion of the outboard lateral edge of thewaist gasketing element is attached to the chassis and at least aportion of the outboard lateral edge of the waist gasketing element isattached to the web of material forming the leg gasketing system; andwherein the inboard lateral edge of the waist gasketing element isunattached to the chassis of the disposable absorbent article.

The disposable absorbent articles described herein comprise leggasketing systems or waist gasketing elements that may comprise one webor multiple webs of material. The description and claims herein mayrefer to leg gasketing system embodiments and waist gasketing elementsthat are formed from “a web of material.” The recitation of “a web ofmaterial” encompasses a single continuous web of material, multiple websof material that are joined together to become one web of material, ormultiple distinct webs of material that are separate from the disposableabsorbent article chassis, and form part of the leg gasketing system orthe waist gasketing element. The leg gasketing systems and/or waistgasketing elements described herein may comprise N-fiber material orother non-woven materials.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of an exemplary embodiment of anabsorbent article as detailed herein.

FIG. 2 is a schematic cross sectional view of an exemplary embodiment ofone of the leg gasketing systems of FIG. 1, taken along the lateralcenterline. The leg gasketing system is shown in a flat, uncontractedstate.

FIG. 3 is a schematic cross sectional view of an exemplary embodiment ofthe leg gasketing systems and topsheet of FIG. 1, the cross sectiontaken along the lateral centerline. The leg gasketing systems are shownin a flat, uncontracted state.

FIG. 4 is a schematic cross sectional view of an exemplary embodiment ofthe absorbent article of FIG. 1, the cross section taken along the lineA-A.

FIG. 5 is a schematic cross sectional view of an exemplary embodiment ofthe absorbent article of FIG. 1, the cross section taken along the lineB-B.

FIG. 6 is a schematic cross sectional view of an exemplary embodiment ofthe absorbent article of FIG. 1, the cross section taken along the lineC-C.

FIG. 7 is a schematic cross sectional view of an exemplary embodiment ofthe absorbent article of FIG. 1 with an opacity strengthening patch, thecross section taken along the line A-A.

FIG. 8 is a schematic cross sectional view of an exemplary embodiment ofthe absorbent article of FIG. 1 with an opacity strengthening patch, thecross section taken along the line B-B.

FIG. 9 is a schematic cross sectional view of an exemplary embodiment ofthe absorbent article of FIG. 1 with an opacity strengthening patch, thecross section taken along the line C-C.

FIG. 10 is a schematic cross sectional view of an exemplary absorbentarticle as described herein.

FIGS. 11A-T are schematic cross sectional views of additional exemplaryembodiments of leg gasketing systems suitable for use in the embodimentsof the absorbent articles detailed herein.

FIG. 12 is a schematic plan view of an exemplary embodiment of anabsorbent article as detailed herein. FIG. 12 is substantially identicalto the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1, with the addition of a waistgasketing element in the second waist region.

FIG. 13 is a close-up schematic plan view of the second waist region ofthe exemplary embodiment of the absorbent article depicted in FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a schematic cross sectional view of an exemplary embodimentof the absorbent article of FIG. 13, the cross section taken along thelongitudinal centerline.

FIG. 15 is a schematic cross sectional view of an exemplary embodimentof the absorbent article of FIG. 13, the cross section taken along theline D-D.

FIG. 16 is a schematic cross sectional view of an exemplary embodimentof the absorbent article of FIG. 13, the cross section taken along theline E-E.

FIG. 17 is a schematic cross sectional view of an exemplary embodimentof the absorbent article of FIG. 13, the cross section taken along theline D-D.

FIG. 18 is a schematic cross sectional view of an exemplary embodimentof the absorbent article of FIG. 13, the cross section taken along theline E-E.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Definitions

As used herein, the following terms shall have the meaning specifiedthereafter:

“Disposable,” in reference to absorbent articles, means that theabsorbent articles are generally not intended to be laundered orotherwise restored or reused as absorbent articles (i.e., they areintended to be discarded after a single use and, preferably, to berecycled, composted or otherwise discarded in an environmentallycompatible manner).

“Absorbent article” refers to devices which absorb and contain bodyexudates and, more specifically, refers to devices which are placedagainst or in proximity to the body of the wearer to absorb and containthe various exudates discharged from the body. Exemplary absorbentarticles include diapers, training pants, pull-on pant-type diapers(i.e., a diaper having a pre-formed waist opening and leg openings suchas illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 6,120,487), refastenable diapers orpant-type diapers, incontinence briefs and undergarments, diaper holdersand liners, feminine hygiene garments such as panty liners, absorbentinserts, and the like.

“Proximal” and “Distal” refer respectively to the location of an elementrelatively near to or far from the longitudinal or lateral centerline ofa structure (e.g., the proximal edge of a longitudinally extendingelement is located nearer to the longitudinal centerline than the distaledge of the same element is located relative to the same longitudinalcenterline).

“Body-facing” and “garment-facing” refer respectively to the relativelocation of an element or a surface of an element or group of elements.“Body-facing” implies the element or surface is nearer to the wearerduring wear than some other element or surface. “Garment-facing” impliesthe element or surface is more remote from the wearer during wear thansome other element or surface (i.e., element or surface is proximate tothe wearer's garments that may be worn over the disposable absorbentarticle).

“Longitudinal” refers to a direction running substantially perpendicularfrom a waist edge to an opposing waist edge of the article and generallyparallel to the maximum linear dimension of the article. Directionswithin 45 degrees of the longitudinal direction are considered to be“longitudinal”

“Lateral” refers to a direction running from a longitudinal edge to anopposing longitudinal edge of the article and generally at a right angleto the longitudinal direction. Directions within 45 degrees of thelateral direction are considered to be “lateral.”

“Disposed” refers to an element being located in a particular place orposition.

“Joined” refers to configurations whereby an element is directly securedto another element by affixing the element directly to the other elementand to configurations whereby an element is indirectly secured toanother element by affixing the element to intermediate member(s) whichin turn are affixed to the other element.

“Film” refers to a sheet-like material wherein the length and width ofthe material far exceed the thickness of the material. Typically, filmshave a thickness of about 0.5 mm or less.

“Water-permeable” and “water-impermeable” refer to the penetrability ofmaterials in the context of the intended usage of disposable absorbentarticles. Specifically, the term “water-permeable” refers to a layer ora layered structure having pores, openings, and/or interconnected voidspaces that permit liquid water, urine, or synthetic urine to passthrough its thickness in the absence of a forcing pressure. Conversely,the term “water-impermeable” refers to a layer or a layered structurethrough the thickness of which liquid water, urine, or synthetic urinecannot pass in the absence of a forcing pressure (aside from naturalforces such as gravity). A layer or a layered structure that iswater-impermeable according to this definition may be permeable to watervapor, i.e., may be “vapor-permeable.”

“Extendibility” and “extensible” mean that the width or length of thecomponent in a relaxed state can be extended or increased.

“Elasticated” and “elasticized” mean that a component comprises at leasta portion made of elastic material.

“Elongatable material,” “extensible material,” or “stretchable material”are used interchangeably and refer to a material that, upon applicationof a biasing force, can stretch to an elongated length of at least about110% of its relaxed, original length (i.e. can stretch to 10 percentmore than its original length), without rupture or breakage, and uponrelease of the applied force, shows little recovery, less than about 20%of its elongation without complete rupture or breakage as measured byEDANA method 20.2-89. In the event such an elongatable material recoversat least 40% of its elongation upon release of the applied force, theelongatable material will be considered to be “elastic” or“elastomeric.” For example, an elastic material that has an initiallength of 100mm can extend at least to 150 mm, and upon removal of theforce retracts to a length of at least 130mm (i.e., exhibiting a 40%recovery). In the event the material recovers less than 40% of itselongation upon release of the applied force, the elongatable materialwill be considered to be “substantially non-elastic” or “substantiallynon-elastomeric”. For example, an elongatable material that has aninitial length of 100 mm can extend at least to 150 mm, and upon removalof the force retracts to a length of at least 145 mm (i.e., exhibiting a10% recovery).

“Elastomeric material” is a material exhibiting elastic properties.Elastomeric materials may include elastomeric films, scrims, nonwovens,and other sheet-like structures.

“Pant” refers to disposable absorbent articles having a pre-formed waistand leg openings. A pant may be donned by inserting a wearer's legs intothe leg openings and sliding the pant into position about the wearer'slower torso. Pants are also commonly referred to as “closed diapers”,“prefastened diapers”, “pull-on diapers”, “training pants” and“diaper-pants.”

Absorbent Article

The present disclosure is directed to a disposable absorbent articlewith a leg gasketing system that comprises a folded outer cuff havingneatly finished outer cuff folded edges that creates an aestheticallypleasing design that is garment like, the absorbent article alsoincluding a leg gasketing system pocket with an opening towards theinterior of the article, wherein the pocket reduces runny bowel movementleaks, the absorbent article also including at least one waist gasketingelement. In one embodiment, the folded outer cuff design is advantageousin preventing penetration and adhesive bleedthrough without the use of apolymeric film layer in the elasticized region. In one embodiment, theabsorbent article may comprise an opacity strengthening patch to providethe strength needed to prevent the article from extending excessivelyduring application and wearing, and provide the opacity at the sides andwaist to prevent the skin of the user from showing through the article.

FIGS. 1 and 12 are plan views of exemplary, non-limiting embodiments ofthe absorbent article 20 described herein in a flat, uncontracted state.FIGS. 1 and 12 illustrate substantially the same disposable absorbentarticle, with the difference being that FIG. 12 also incorporates awaist gasketing element 81 in the second waist region 38. Accordingly,when detailing the particular elements of the embodiment of FIG. 1herein, the same disclosure will also apply to the embodiment of FIG.12, as those same elements may also be present in the embodiment of FIG.12 (whether explicitly shown or not). Due to clarity issues, some of theelements that are explicitly shown and referenced in FIG. 1 may appearmissing from FIG. 12. For instance, the cuff separation bonds 45 are notexplicitly shown in outboard part of the second waist region 38 of FIG.12 due to providing clarity to the illustration of the waist gasketingelement 81. However, even though not explicitly illustrated, theembodiment of FIG. 12 may include cuff separation bonds 45 in thatregion as detailed in FIG. 1 and described herein, as well as any otherelements illustrated in FIG. 1 (or the figures that reference FIG. 1)and/or described herein.

The garment-facing surface 120 of the absorbent article 20 is facing theviewer. The absorbent article 20 includes a longitudinal centerline 100and a lateral centerline 110. The absorbent article 20 may comprise achassis 22. The absorbent article 20 and chassis 22 are shown to have afirst waist region 36, a second waist region 38 opposed to the firstwaist region 36, and a crotch region 37 located between the first waistregion 36 and the second waist region 38. The waist regions 36 and 38generally comprise those portions of the absorbent article 20 which,when worn, encircle the waist of the wearer. The waist regions 36 and 38may include elastic elements such that they gather about the waist ofthe wearer to provide improved fit and containment. The crotch region 37is the portion of the absorbent article 20 which, when the absorbentarticle 20 is worn, is generally positioned between the legs of thewearer.

The outer periphery of chassis 22 is defined by longitudinal edges 12and waist edges (first waist edge 13 in first waist region 36 and secondwaist edge 14 in second waist region 38). The longitudinal edges 12 maybe subdivided into a front longitudinal edge 12 a, which is the portionof the longitudinal edge 12 in the first waist region 36, and a rearlongitudinal edge 12 b, which is the portion of the longitudinal edge 12in the rear waist region 38. The chassis 22 may have opposinglongitudinal edges 12 that are oriented generally parallel to thelongitudinal centerline 100. However, for better fit, longitudinal edges12 may be curved or angled to produce, for example, an “hourglass” shapediaper when viewed in a plan view. The chassis 22 may have opposinglateral edges 14 that are oriented generally parallel to the lateralcenterline 110.

The chassis 22 may comprise a liquid permeable topsheet 24, a backsheet26, and an absorbent core 28 between the topsheet 24 and the backsheet26. In embodiments that include one or more opacity strengtheningpatches 80, the chassis 22 also comprises the opacity strengtheningpatch(s). The absorbent core 28 may have a body-facing surface and agarment facing-surface. The topsheet 24 may be joined to the core 28and/or the backsheet 26. The backsheet 26 may be joined to the core 28and/or the topsheet 24. It should be recognized that other structures,elements, or substrates may be positioned between the core 28 and thetopsheet 24 and/or backsheet 26. In certain embodiments, the chassis 22comprises the main structure of the absorbent article 20 with otherfeatures may added to form the composite absorbent article structure.While the topsheet 24, the backsheet 26, and the absorbent core 28 maybe assembled in a variety of well-known configurations, preferredabsorbent article configurations are described generally in U.S. Pat.Nos. 3,860,003; 5,151,092; 5,221,274; 5,554,145; 5,569,234; 5,580,411;and 6,004,306.

Topsheet

The topsheet 24 is generally a portion of the absorbent article 20 thatmay be positioned at least in partial contact or close proximity to awearer. Suitable topsheets 24 may be manufactured from a wide range ofmaterials, such as porous foams; reticulated foams; apertured plasticfilms; or woven or nonwoven webs of natural fibers (e.g., wood or cottonfibers), synthetic fibers (e.g., polyester or polypropylene fibers), ora combination of natural and synthetic fibers. The topsheet 24 isgenerally supple, soft feeling, and non-irritating to a wearer's skin.Generally, at least a portion of the topsheet 24 is liquid pervious,permitting liquid to readily penetrate through the thickness of thetopsheet 24. One topsheet 24 useful herein is available from BBAFiberweb, Brentwood, TN as supplier code 055SLPV09U.

Any portion of the topsheet 24 may be coated with a lotion or skin carecomposition as is known in the art. Examples of suitable lotions includethose described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,607,760; 5,609,587; 5,635,191; and5,643,588. The topsheet 24 may be fully or partially elasticized or maybe foreshortened so as to provide a void space between the topsheet 24and the core 28. Exemplary structures including elasticized orforeshortened topsheets are described in more detail in U.S. Pat. Nos.4,892,536; 4,990,147; 5,037,416; and 5,269,775.

Absorbent Core

The absorbent core 28 may comprise a wide variety of liquid-absorbentmaterials commonly used in disposable diapers and other absorbentarticles. Examples of suitable absorbent materials include comminutedwood pulp, which is generally referred to as air felt creped cellulosewadding; melt blown polymers, including co-form; chemically stiffened,modified or cross-linked cellulosic fibers; tissue, including tissuewraps and tissue laminates; absorbent foams; absorbent sponges;superabsorbent polymers; absorbent gelling materials; or any other knownabsorbent material or combinations of materials. In one embodiment, atleast a portion of the absorbent core is substantially cellulose freeand contains less than 10% by weight cellulosic fibers, less than 5%cellulosic fibers, less than 1% cellulosic fibers, no more than animmaterial amount of cellulosic fibers or no cellulosic fibers. Itshould be understood that an immaterial amount of cellulosic materialdoes not materially affect at least one of the thinness, flexibility,and absorbency of the portion of the absorbent core that issubstantially cellulose free. Among other benefits, it is believed thatwhen at least a portion of the absorbent core is substantially cellulosefree, this portion of the absorbent core is significantly thinner andmore flexible than a similar absorbent core that includes more than 10%by weight of cellulosic fibers. The amount of absorbent material, suchas absorbent particulate polymer material present in the absorbent coremay vary, but in certain embodiments, is present in the absorbent corein an amount greater than about 80% by weight of the absorbent core, orgreater than about 85% by weight of the absorbent core, or greater thanabout 90% by weight of the absorbent core, or greater than about 95% byweight of the core.

Exemplary absorbent structures for use as the absorbent core 28 aredescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,610,678; 4,673,402; 4,834,735; 4,888,231;5,137,537; 5,147,345; 5,342,338; 5,260,345; 5,387,207; 5,397,316; and5,625,222.

Backsheet

The backsheet 26 is generally positioned such that it may be at least aportion of the garment-facing surface 120 of the absorbent article 20.Backsheet 26 may be designed to prevent the exudates absorbed by andcontained within the absorbent article 20 from soiling articles that maycontact the absorbent article 20, such as bed sheets and undergarments.In certain embodiments, the backsheet 26 is substantiallywater-impermeable. Suitable backsheet 26 materials include films such asthose manufactured by Tredegar Industries Inc. of Terre Haute, Ind. andsold under the trade names X15306, X10962, and X10964. Other suitablebacksheet 26 materials may include breathable materials that permitvapors to escape from the absorbent article 20 while still preventingexudates from passing through the backsheet 26. Exemplary breathablematerials may include materials such as woven webs, nonwoven webs,composite materials such as film-coated nonwoven webs, and microporousfilms such as manufactured by Mitsui Toatsu Co., of Japan under thedesignation ESPOIR NO and by EXXON Chemical Co., of Bay City, Tex.,under the designation EXXAIRE. Suitable breathable composite materialscomprising polymer blends are available from Clopay Corporation,Cincinnati, Ohio under the name HYTREL blend P18-3097. Such breathablecomposite materials are described in greater detail in PCT ApplicationNo. WO 95/16746 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,865,823. Other breathable backsheetsincluding nonwoven webs and apertured formed films are described in U.S.Pat. No. 5,571,096. An exemplary, suitable backsheet is disclosed inU.S. Pat. No. 6,107,537. Other suitable materials and/or manufacturingtechniques may be used to provide a suitable backsheet 26 including, butnot limited to, surface treatments, particular film selections andprocessing, particular filament selections and processing, etc.

Backsheet 26 may also consist of more than one layer. The backsheet 26may comprise an outer cover and an inner layer. The outer cover may bemade of a soft, non-woven material. The inner layer may be made of asubstantially liquid-impermeable film. The outer cover and an innerlayer may be joined together by adhesive or any other suitable materialor method. A particularly suitable outer cover is available from CorovinGmbH, Peine, Germany as supplier code A18AH0, and a particularlysuitable inner layer is available from RKW Gronau GmbH, Gronau, Germanyas supplier code PGBR4WPR. While a variety of backsheet configurationsare contemplated herein, it would be obvious to those skilled in the artthat various other changes and modifications can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Ears/Fasteners

The absorbent article 20 may include front ears 40 and/or back ears 42.The ears 40, 42 may be extensible, inextensible, elastic, or inelastic.The ears 40, 42 may be formed from nonwoven webs, woven webs, knittedfabrics, polymeric and elastomeric films, apertured films, sponges,foams, scrims, and combinations and laminates thereof. In certainembodiments the ears 40, 42 may be formed of a stretch laminate such asa nonwoven/elastomeric material laminate or a nonwoven/elastomericmaterial/nonwoven laminate. Stretch laminates may be formed by anymethod known in the art. For example, the ears 40, 42 may be formed as azero strain stretch laminate, which includes at least a layer ofnon-woven material and an elastomeric element. The elastomeric elementis attached to the layer of non-woven material while in a relaxed orsubstantially relaxed state, and the resulting laminate is madestretchable (or more stretchable over a further range) by subjecting thelaminate to an activation process which elongates the nonwoven layerpermanently, but the elastomeric element temporarily. The nonwoven layermay be integral with at least a portion of the chassis 22, in which casethe elastomeric element may be attached to the nonwoven layer and thenon-woven/elastomeric element laminate is subsequently activated.Alternatively, the nonwoven layer may be a separate component, in whichcase the elastomeric element is attached to the nonwoven layer to formthe laminate, which is then coupled to the main portion. If one or morelayers of the side panel are provided separately, the laminate may beactivated either before or after attachment to the main portion. Thezero strain activation processes is further disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.5,167,897 and 5,156,793. A suitable elastic ear may be an activatedlaminate comprising an elastomeric film (such as is available fromTredegar Corp, Richmond, Va., as supplier code X25007) disposed betweentwo nonwoven layers (such as is available from BBA Fiberweb, Brentwood,Tenn. as supplier code FPN332).

The ears 40, 42 may be discrete or integral. A discrete ear is formed asseparate element which is joined to the chassis 22. An integral ear is aportion of the chassis 22 that projects laterally outward from thelongitudinal edge 12. The integral ear may be formed by cutting thechassis form to include the shape of the ear projection.

The absorbent article 20 may also include a fastening system 50. Whenfastened, the fastening system 50 interconnects the first waist region36 and the rear waist region 38 resulting in a waist circumference thatmay encircle the wearer during wear of the absorbent article 20. Thefastening system 50 may comprises a fastener such as tape tabs, hook andloop fastening components, interlocking fasteners such as tabs & slots,buckles, buttons, snaps, and/or hermaphroditic fastening components,although any other known fastening means are generally acceptable. Someexemplary surface fastening systems are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.3,848,594; 4,662,875; 4,846,815; 4,894,060; 4,946,527; 5,151,092; and5,221,274. An exemplary interlocking fastening system is disclosed inU.S. Pat. No. 6,432,098. The fastening system 50 may also provide ameans for holding the article in a disposal configuration as disclosedin U.S. Pat. No. 4,963,140. The fastening system 50 may also includeprimary and secondary fastening systems, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.4,699,622. The fastening system 50 may be constructed to reduce shiftingof overlapped portions or to improve fit as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.5,242,436; 5,499,978; 5,507,736; and 5,591,152.

Leg Gasketing System

The absorbent article 20 may include a leg gasketing system 70 that isattached to the chassis 22. FIGS. 2 and 3 depict schematic crosssectional views of the exemplary leg gasketing system of FIG. 1 in aflat, uncontracted state, the views taken through the lateral centerline110 (FIG. 2 is a schematic cross section of the left leg gasketingsystem, and FIG. 3 is a schematic cross section of both leg gasketingsystems in relation to the topsheet). FIGS. 4-9 also depict schematiccross sectional views of the exemplary leg gasketing system 70 ofFIG. 1. FIGS. 4-6 are cross sections of an embodiment of the disposableabsorbent article of FIG. 1 without an opacity strengthening patch 80,and FIGS. 7-9 are cross sections of an embodiment of the disposableabsorbent article of FIG. 1 with an opacity strengthening patch 80. Inthe embodiment of FIGS. 7-9, the opacity strengthening patches 80 arelocated in the four corners of the diaper chassis 22, overlappingportions of both the polymeric film inner layer of the backsheet 26 andthe ears 40, 42.

FIGS. 4 and 7 are schematic cross sectional views through line A-A ofFIG. 1. FIGS. 5 and 8 are schematic cross sectional views through lineB-B of FIG. 1. FIGS. 6 and 9 are schematic cross sectional views throughline C-C of FIG. 1. In the various embodiments, the leg gasketing system70 may include an inner cuff 71 that has an inner cuff folded edge 72and an inner cuff material edge 73. The leg gasketing system 70 mayfurther include an outer cuff 74 that has an outer cuff folded edge 75and an outer cuff material edge 76.

In one embodiment, each leg gasketing system 70 comprises a single,continuous web of material. An embodiment having a single web ofmaterial may provide a cost advantage over embodiments having more thanone web of material. Further, a leg gasketing system formed from one webof material may have fewer leaks, as there are no holes created bybonding more than one web of material. Also, an embodiment having oneweb of material may be more aesthetically pleasing, as few mechanicalbonds are visible. In other embodiments, the leg gasketing system 70 maybe formed from more than one web of material (e.g., multiple webs ofmaterial that are joined together to become one web of material, ormultiple distinct webs of material that are separate from the disposableabsorbent article chassis and form part of the leg gasketing system).Herein, locations (e.g., folded edge, material edge, etc.) on the leggasketing system 70 are detailed in reference to “a web of material” or“a portion of the web of material.” The recitations of “a web ofmaterial” or “the web of material” refer to leg gasketing systemembodiments that may be formed from a single, continuous web ofmaterial, multiple webs of material that are joined together to becomeone web of material, or multiple distinct webs of material that areseparate from the disposable absorbent article chassis and form part ofthe leg gasketing system. All such embodiments are contemplated.

In one embodiment, the leg gasketing system 70 includes an inner cuff 71that has an inner cuff folded edge 72 and an inner cuff material edge73. The leg gasketing system 70 may further include an outer cuff 74that has an outer cuff folded edge 75 and an outer cuff material edge76. In some embodiments, the web of material is folded laterally inward(toward the longitudinal centerline 100 of the absorbent article 20) toform the outer cuff folded edge 75 and folded laterally outward (awayfrom the longitudinal centerline 100 of the absorbent article 20) toform the inner cuff folded edge 72.

In one embodiment, at least a portion of the web of material between theouter cuff folded edge 75 and the outer cuff material edge 76 isattached to the chassis 22 (e.g., the topsheet 24, the backsheet 26,and/or the opacity strengthening patch 80) in the first waist region 36,the second waist region 38 and the crotch region 37. The attachment tothe chassis 22 is made through utilization of one or more cuffattachment bonds 43, 44. In one embodiment, one or more of the cuffattachment bonds 43, 44 are continuous, or substantially continuous(e.g., in a continuously intermittent pattern) from the first waist edge13 to the second waist edge 14. As seen in the exemplary embodiment ofFIGS. 3-6, a first cuff attachment bond 43 attaches at least a portionof the web of material between the outer cuff folded edge 75 and theouter cuff material edge 76 to the topsheet 24. And a second cuffattachment bond 44 attaches at least a portion of the web of materialbetween the outer cuff folded edge 75 and the outer cuff material edge76 to the inner layer of backsheet 26 (e.g., backsheet film). In FIGS.3-6, a single first cuff attachment bond 43 and a single second cuffattachment bond 44 are shown, but embodiments having multiple first cuffattachment bonds 43 and/or multiple second cuff attachment bonds 44 arecontemplated. As seen in the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 7-9, a firstcuff attachment bond 43 attaches at least a portion of the web ofmaterial between the outer cuff folded edge 75 and the outer cuffmaterial edge 76 to the topsheet 24. And at least one second cuffattachment bond 44 attaches at least a portion of the web of materialbetween the outer cuff folded edge 75 and the outer cuff material edge76 to the opacity strengthening patch 80 in at least a portion of thefirst waist region 36 and at least a portion of the second waist region38. The opacity strengthening patch is attached to the inner layer ofbacksheet 26 (e.g., backsheet film) by at least one OSP bond(s) 46. Inthe crotch region 37 and in a portion of the first waist region 36 andin a portion of the second waist region 38, at least a portion of theweb of material between the outer cuff folded edge 75 and the outer cuffmaterial edge 76 is attached to the backsheet 26 (inner or outerbacksheet layer) through cuff attachment bond 44. In other words, fromfirst waist edge 13 to second waist edge 14, at least a portion of theweb of material between the outer cuff folded edge 75 and the outer cuffmaterial edge 76 is attached to either the backsheet 26 or to theopacity strengthening patch 80 through continuous or substantiallycontinuous second cuff attachment bond(s) 44. In FIGS. 7-9, a singlefirst cuff attachment bond 43 is shown, but embodiments having multiplefirst cuff attachment bonds 43 are contemplated. The cuff attachmentbonds 43, 44 and the OSP bonds 46 may take the form of glue, heat bond,pressure bond, CPW bonds, or any other bonding method known in the art.In the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 3-9, the cuff attachment bonds 43,44 and the OSP bonds 46 take the form of a glue bond.

Further, at least a portion of the web material between the inner cufffolded edge 72 and the outer cuff folded edge 75 is attached to at leasta portion of the web of material between the outer cuff folded edge 75and the outer cuff material edge 76 in at least the crotch region 37 andthe first waist region 36. The attachment of the web of material betweenthe inner cuff folded edge 72 and the outer cuff folded edge 75 to theweb of material between the outer cuff folded edge 75 and the outer cuffmaterial edge 76 in at least the crotch region 37 and the first waistregion 36 is made through utilization of one or more cuff separationbonds 45. As seen in FIGS. 1-9, the cuff separation bond attaches atleast a portion of the web material between the inner cuff folded edge72 and the outer cuff folded edge 75 to the web of material between theouter cuff folded edge 75 and the outer cuff material edge 76 in thecrotch region 37, the first waist region 36, and a portion of the secondwaist region 38. The cuff separation bond 45 may take the form of glue,heat bond, pressure bond, CPW bonds, or any other bonding method knownin the art. In the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 3-9, the cuffseparation bond 45 takes the form of a glue bond.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 4-9, the web of material between the innercuff folded edge 72 and the outer cuff folded edge 75 is unattached tothe web of material between the outer cuff folded edge 75 and the outercuff material edge 76 in at least a portion of the second waist region38. Due to the web of material between the inner cuff folded edge 72 andthe outer cuff folded edge 75 being unattached to the web of materialbetween the outer cuff folded edge 75 and the outer cuff material edge76 in at least a portion of the second waist region 38, a leg gasketingsystem pocket 47 is formed in at least a portion of the second waistregion of the leg gasketing system 70. The leg gasketing system pocket47 includes an inboard longitudinal edge 48 and an outboard longitudinaledge 49, which define lateral dimensions of the leg gasketing systempocket. In some embodiments, the inboard longitudinal edge 48 of the leggasketing system pocket 47 is coterminous with a line that the cuffseparation bond 45 runs along in the longitudinal direction. In someembodiments, the outboard longitudinal edge 49 is coterminous with theouter cuff folded edge 75. In another embodiment, the outboardlongitudinal edge 49 is coterminous with the most outboard bond of theouter cuff 74.

In one embodiment, the leg gasketing system pocket 47 includes anopening 51 which runs a distance along the inboard longitudinal edge 48of the leg gasketing system pocket 47. The opening 51 is created by abreak in the cuff separation bond 45. Referring to FIG. 1, the cuffseparation bond 45 runs in the longitudinal direction of the absorbentarticle, and is continuous, or substantially continuous (e.g., in acontinuously intermittent pattern) in the first waist region 36 and thecrotch region 37. The continuous cuff separation bond 45 continues intothe second waist region 38, but then stops for a defined distance andthen starts again along the same longitudinal line. The distance inwhich the cuff separation bond 45 stops along that longitudinal line isthe distance in which the web material between the inner cuff foldededge 72 and the outer cuff folded edge 75 is unattached to the web ofmaterial between the outer cuff folded edge 75 and the outer cuffmaterial edge 76. Accordingly, this distance is the length of theopening 51 which runs along the inboard longitudinal edge 48 of the leggasketing system pocket 47. The opening 51 has an inboard lateral edge52 and an outboard lateral edge 53 where the cuff separation bond 45starts and stops along the longitudinal line that the cuff separationbond 45 runs along. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the length of the opening51 can be determined by measuring the distance between inboard lateraledge 52 and outboard lateral edge 53, taken along the longitudinal linethat the cuff separation bond 45 runs along.

In another embodiment, the leg gasketing system pocket 47 includes anopening 51 which again runs a distance along the inboard longitudinaledge 48 of the leg gasketing system pocket 47. The opening 51 is createdby a series of breaks in the cuff separation bond 45. Referring to FIG.1, the cuff separation bond 45 runs in the longitudinal direction of theabsorbent article, and is continuous in the first waist region 36 andthe crotch region 37. The continuous cuff separation bond 45 continuesinto the second waist region 38, but then becomes an intermittent bondpattern (e.g., stop-start-stop-start) for a defined distance and thenbecomes continuous again along the same longitudinal line. The distancein which the cuff separation bond 45 becomes an intermittent bondpattern along that longitudinal line is the distance in which the webmaterial between the inner cuff folded edge 72 and the outer cuff foldededge 75 is intermittently attached to the web of material between theouter cuff folded edge 75 and the outer cuff material edge 76. Thisintermittent pattern for a distance of the cuff separation bond 45creates series of small pockets, together referred to herein as a leggasketing system pocket.

In other embodiments, the pocket and opening can occur in the firstwaist region, the second waist region, or in the crotch region as neededfor the specific type of exudates and the particular situation whereleakage prevention is desired. For instance, a wearer who sleeps ontheir belly (front) may benefit from the pocket and opening beinglocated in the front waist region, as to stop urine leakage out of thefront waist during sleep. Likewise, it may be important to create theopening on the crotch region for users wearing the article in thestanding position as to contain exudates that are likely to locatecentrally in the article due to the force of gravity when in a standingposition.

In some embodiments, the opening 51 measures between about 5 mm andabout 100 mm in the longitudinal direction, or any range or distancewithin the range of about 5 mm to about 100 mm; in some embodiments theopening measures about 75 mm or about 50 mm; and in other embodimentsthe opening measures between about 1 mm and about 20 mm. In oneembodiment, the length of opening 51 is between about 1% and about 75%of the overall longitudinal length of the leg gasketing system pocket 47(or any range or percentage within the range of about 1% to about 75%).The overall longitudinal length of the leg gasketing system pocket 47 isthe distance from the furthest longitudinally inboard portion of thepocket to the furthest longitudinally outboard position of the pocket.In some embodiments, the furthest longitudinally outboard position ofthe pocket 47 is the second waist edge of absorbent article, and inother embodiments, the pocket 47 may end longitudinally short of thesecond waist edge. For the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the overalllongitudinal length of the leg gasketing system pocket 47 is thedistance from the inboard lateral edge 52 of the opening 51 to thesecond waist edge 14 of the absorbent article 20, taken along thelongitudinal line that the cuff separation bond 45 runs along. In otherwords, for the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the longitudinaldimensions of the leg gasketing system pocket 47 are defined by theinboard lateral edge 52 of the opening 51 and the second waist edge 14.In one embodiment, the overall longitudinal length of the leg gasketingsystem pocket 47 measures between about 5 mm and about 200 mm in thelongitudinal direction, or any range or distance within the range ofabout 5 mm to about 200 mm; in some embodiments, about 100 mm, about 75mm or about 50 mm; and in other embodiments the overall longitudinallength measures between about 1 mm and about 20 mm. In one embodiment,the outboard edge of the opening 51 of the leg gasketing system pocket47 is positioned about 5 mm inboard from the second waist edge 14 in thelongitudinal direction and the inboard edge of the opening is positionedabout 100 mm inboard from the second waist edge 14 in the longitudinaldirection. In other embodiments, the inboard/outboard edges of theopening can be any range or distance within the range of about 5 mm toabout 200 mm inboard from the second waist edge 14 in the longitudinaldirection; in some embodiments, the outboard edge of the opening isabout 100 mm, about 75 mm, about 50 mm, about 20 mm, or about 1 mminboard from the second waist edge 14 in the longitudinal direction; insome embodiments, the inboard edge of the opening is about 200 mm, about100 mm, about 75 mm, about 50 mm or about 20 mm inboard from the secondwaist edge 14 in the longitudinal direction.

The overall lateral width of the leg gasketing system pocket 47 is thedistance from the furthest laterally inboard portion of the pocket tothe furthest laterally outboard portion of the pocket. For theembodiment shown in FIG. 1, the overall lateral width of the leggasketing system pocket 47 is the distance from the inboard longitudinaledge 48 of the leg gasketing system pocket to the outboard longitudinaledge 49 of the leg gasketing system pocket, taken along a line that isparallel to the second waist edge 14 and centered in the middle of theopening 51 of the leg gasketing system pocket. In other words, for theexemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the lateral dimension of the leggasketing system pocket 47 (i.e., the width) is defined by inboard andoutboard longitudinal edges 48, 49 of the leg gasketing system pocket47. In one embodiment, the overall lateral width of the leg gasketingsystem pocket 47 measures between about 5 mm and about 60 mm in thelateral direction, or any range or distance within the range of about 5mm to about 60 mm; in some embodiments, about 30 mm, about 25 mm, orabout 20 mm; and in other embodiments, the overall lateral widthmeasures between about 1 mm and about 20 mm. In one embodiment, theoverall lateral width of the leg gasketing system pocket 47 is betweenabout 1% and about 75% of the overall longitudinal length of the leggasketing system pocket 47 (or any range or percentage within the rangeof about 1% to about 75%). In one embodiment, the length of opening 51is between about 20% and about 100% of the overall lateral width of theleg gasketing system pocket 47 (or any range or percentage within therange of about 20% to about 100%).

When a wearer of an absorbent article has a runny bowel movement, manytimes the runny bowel movement spreads upon defecation and leaks out ofthe absorbent article in an area between the leg cuffs and wearer'slegs, or in an area between the waist region and the wearer's back.Leaks of this type often happen because the snug fit between user's bodyand the attached absorbent article do not allow enough room for therunny bowel movement to remain contained within the absorbent articleduring the wearer's movement. One advantage of the leg gasketing systempocket 47 as detailed herein, in combination with the leg gasketingsystem(s) as detailed herein, are the additional pocketed areas thatprovide extra void volumes within the leg cuffs for containment ofbodily extrudate (e.g., fecal material). When the wearer moves, aportion of the bodily extrudate will migrate into the leg gasketingsystem pocket 47 for containment and be held/trapped between two layersof nonwoven within the leg gasketing system before it can leak out in anarea between the wearer's back and the back waist region of theabsorbent article or an area between the leg cuffs and wearer's legs ofthe absorbent article. Thus, the leg gasketing system pocket 47 detailedherein reduces leaks. Moreover, leg gasketing system pocket 47 providesadditional void volume within the leg cuffs to receive the fecalmaterial which helps in isolating the fecal material from wearer's skin.

In one embodiment, the leg gasketing system pocket 47 is free of elasticmembers 77. In one embodiment, the leg gasketing system pocket 47contains one or more snap back elastic members.

In one embodiment, the leg gasketing system pocket 47 has a secondopening 55 along the second waist edge 14 of the absorbent article. Inone embodiment, the leg gasketing system pocket 47 is sealed along thesecond waist edge 14.

In one embodiment, at least a portion of the web of material between theouter cuff folded edge 75 and the outer cuff material edge 76 isattached to the chassis 22 (e.g., topsheet 24, backsheet 26, and/oropacity strengthening patch 80) in the first waist region 36, the secondwaist region 38 and the crotch region 37; and at least a portion of theweb of material between the inner cuff folded edge 72 and the outer cufffolded edge 75 is attached to the web of material between the outer cufffolded edge 75 and the outer cuff material edge 76 in the crotch region37 and the first waist region 36; wherein the outer cuff includes anelastics adhesive 79 and at least one longitudinally oriented elasticmember running parallel to the outer cuff folded edge 75, the elasticsadhesive 79 and at least one elastic member disposed between 1) the webof material between the outer cuff folded edge 75 and the outer cuffmaterial edge 76 and 2) the web of material between the outer cufffolded edge 75 and the inner cuff folded edge 72; wherein in at least aportion of the second waist region, the outer cuff is free of elasticsadhesive 79 and elastic members 77, thus forming a leg gasketing systempocket 47 between 1) the web of material between the outer cuff foldededge 75 and the outer cuff material edge 76 and 2) the web of materialbetween the outer cuff folded edge 75 and the inner cuff folded edge 72,the leg gasketing system pocket 47 having an outboard longitudinal edge49 at the outer cuff folded edge 75; wherein the leg gasketing systempocket 47 comprises an opening 51 on an inboard longitudinal edge 48 ofthe leg gasketing system pocket.

In some embodiments, the pocket 47 includes a thermal or compressionbond that defines at least a portion of the perimeter of the pocket(e.g., the entire perimeter of the pocket), such that the at least aportion of the pocket 47 (e.g., the entire pocket), can be made visibleto a wearer or caregiver as to signal the functionality of the pocket 47prior to use.

In some embodiments, the pocket 47 extends to the lateral edge of thechassis and creates channels for facilitating the flow of runny bowelmovement. This open channel area can be sealed by any suitable bondingtechnique such as glue, mechanical bonds, thermal bonds, or the like.

In some embodiments, the pocket 47 can be used as an effective featurefor a caregiver in applying the absorbent article easily on wearer. Thepocket 47 can be used for inserting the fingers and spreading theabsorbent article during application on the wearer, therefore providingease of application. The lateral distance between the left and rightpockets measures between about 120 mm and about 250 mm, or any range ordistance within the range of about 120 mm to about 250 mm; in someembodiments, the lateral distance between the left and right pocketsmeasures about 120 mm, about 150 mm, or about 200 mm; and in otherembodiments the lateral distance between the left and right pockets ismeasured about 210 mm, or about 250 mm.

In another embodiment, the hydrophobic properties, such as Low SurfaceTension Strikethrough or Hydro Head, can be increased in a least aportion of the pocket 47, in such a way that prevents exudates fromleaking through the materials that comprise the pocket. Accordingly,this will maintain separation of the contained fecal material from thewearer. Increasing hydrophobic properties can be accomplished byapplying hydrophobic coatings, inks, glues, silicones, additionalmaterials, or any combination thereof, or by any other means known inthe art.

In one embodiment, the outer cuff 74 and inner cuff 71 are the samecolor. In one embodiment, the outer cuff 74 and inner cuff 71 aredifferent colors. In one embodiment, there is an additional printing onone or more of the cuffs of the leg gasketing system 70. In embodimentswith printing on both the inner and outer cuffs, the printing may be thesame or different on each cuff.

In another embodiment, the leg gasketing system 70 includes a printedzone that outlines or defines at least a portion of the pocket 47 suchthat the benefit can be signaled prior to use.

In one embodiment, the outer cuff 74 comprises elastic members 77positioned in a lateral array between the outer cuff folded edge 75 andouter cuff material edge 76. As illustrated in FIGS. 2-4, the elastics77, 78 are attached to the portion of the web of material that forms theouter cuff by elastics adhesive 79. In such an embodiment, the elasticsare positioned between 1) the portion of the web of material between theouter cuff folded edge 75 and the outer cuff material edge 76, and 2)the portion of the web material between the outer cuff folded edge 75and the inner cuff folded edge 72. The outer cuff 74 may comprise atleast two elastic members 77, at least three elastic members 77, atleast four elastic members 77, at least five elastic members 77, or atleast six elastic members 77. In one embodiment, the elastic members 77may be disposed between the outer cuff folded edge 75 and the inner cuffmaterial edge 73.

In one embodiment, the inner cuff 71 comprises an array of elasticmembers 78 positioned in a lateral array between the inner cuff foldededge 72 and the inner cuff material edge 73. The elastics attached tothe portion of the web of material that forms the inner cuff by elasticsadhesive 79. In such an embodiment, the elastics are positioned between1) the portion of the web of material between the inner cuff folded edge72 and the inner cuff material edge 73, and 2) the portion of the webmaterial between the inner cuff folded edge 72 and the outer cuff foldededge 75. The inner cuff 71 may comprise at least one elastic member 78,at least two elastic members 78, at least three elastic members 78, atleast four elastic members 78, or at least five elastic members 78. Inone embodiment, the elastic members 78 may be disposed between the innercuff folded edge 72 and the outer cuff material edge 76.

In one embodiment, the outer cuff 74 comprises at least one more elasticmember 77 than the inner cuff 71 elastic member(s) 78. In oneembodiment, the inner cuff material edge 73 is laterally outboard theouter cuff material edge 76.

In one embodiment, the elastic members 77 and 78 are spaced at least 2mm apart from one edge of the member to the other edge of the member,optionally at least 3 mm apart; optionally at least 3.5 mm apart;optionally at least 4 mm apart; optionally at least 4.5 mm apart;optionally at least 5 mm apart; optionally at least 5.5 mm apart;optionally at least 6 mm apart; optionally at least 6.5 mm apart;optionally at least 7 mm apart; optionally at least 7.5 mm apart;optionally at least 8 mm apart; optionally at least 8.5 mm apart;optionally at least 9 mm apart; optionally at least 9.5 mm apart;optionally at least 10 mm apart; optionally at least 10.5 mm apart;optionally at least 11 mm apart; optionally at least 11.5 mm apart;optionally at least 12 mm apart. In one embodiment, the outermostelastic members 77 and 78 are less than about 2 mm from the outer cuffmaterial edge 76 and inner cuff material edge 73; optionally less thanabout 1.5 mm, less than about 1 mm.

In one embodiment, the outer cuff 74 has four elastic members 77 thatare about 4 mm apart. The outer cuff 74 may have four elastic membersthat are about 2 mm/7 mm/2 mm apart. The outer cuff 74 may have threeelastic members 77 that are about 6 mm apart. The outer cuff 74 may havetwo elastic members that are about 12 mm apart. The outer cuff 74 mayhave two elastic members that are about 3 mm/6 mm/3 mm apart, as spacedfrom the outer cuff folded edge 75. In any embodiment, the elasticmembers may be about 2 mm from the outer cuff folded edge 75, optionallyabout 0 mm from the outer cuff folded edge 75.

In one embodiment, the leg gasketing system 70 has an inner cuff 71comprised of an inner cuff folded edge 72 and an inner cuff materialedge 73. The leg gasketing system 70 may further comprise an outer cuff74 comprising an outer cuff folded edge 75 and an outer cuff materialedge 76. The leg gasketing system may comprise a first materialcomprising the inner cuff 71 and a second material comprising the outercuff 74. The first and second material may overlap and be joinedtogether along a longitudinal edge of each material by any suitablebonding means (i.e., a single web), or be separate webs of material. Inone embodiment, the web of material is folded laterally inward to formthe outer cuff folded edge 75 and folded laterally outward to form theinner cuff folded edge 72. In one embodiment, the proximal edges of theouter cuff 74 are coterminous. In one embodiment, the proximal edges ofthe outer cuff 74 are spaced greater than about 2 mm apart; greater thanabout 4 mm; greater than about 6 mm; greater than about 10 mm apart. Inone embodiment, the proximal material edges of the cuff are both bondedto the inner cuff. In one embodiment, only one of the proximal materialedges of the outer cuff 74 are bonded to the inner cuff. In oneembodiment, the proximal material edges of the outer cuff are heldtogether with any suitable bonding means.

In one embodiment, the leg gasketing system 70 is spaced laterallyinward of the chassis longitudinal edge 12 by about 10 mm, optionallyabout 20 mm, optionally about 30 mm, optionally about 60 mm or more. Inanother embodiment, the laterally outboard edge of the chassis isdefined by the lateral edge of the outer cuff. In another embodiment,the backsheet and/or polymeric film are spaced laterally inward of theouter cuff edge by about 10 mm; optionally about 20 mm; optionally about30 mm; optionally about 40 mm.

In one embodiment, the laterally outboard edge of the leg gasketingsystem 70 is disposed laterally inboard of at least a portion of thelongitudinal edge of the article in at least one of the waist regions.Thus, in one embodiment, the front ears 40 and/or back ears 42 extendpast the leg gasketing system 70.

In one embodiment, the height of the inner cuff 71 is at least about 10mm, at least about 20 mm, a least about 30 mm, at least about 32 mm, atleast about 35 mm, at least about 38 mm. In one embodiment, the heightof the outer cuff 74 is at least about 15 mm, at least about 23 mm, atleast about 25 mm, at least about 27 mm, at least about 30 mm. Theheight of the inner cuff is measured from inner cuff folded edge 72 tothe first point of connection to a material beyond the inner cuffmaterial edge 73 in the crotch region. In the embodiment shown in thefigures, the first point of connection to a material beyond the innercuff material edge 73 is the inboard edge of cuff separation bond. Theouter cuff height is measured from the outer cuff folded edge 75 to thefirst point of connection the inner cuff 72 has to a material beyond theinner cuff material edge 73 in the crotch region. Thus, the inner andouter cuffs are measured from their respective folded edges to the pointwhere the inner cuff is connected to the first material beyond the innercuff material edge.

One advantage of the leg gasketing system 70 detailed herein is thatwhen a substantially liquid-impervious material is used in constructionof the cuff, the polymeric film layer may be narrowed or not present atall, resulting in more cost effective designs. Utilizing adhesivetechnologies that are more reliably processed results in more reliableperformance and creates substantially liquid impervious seals. Thistechnology enables narrowing the film layer to be only slightly widerthan the absorbent core by reducing the need for redundant seals.

In one embodiment of the absorbent articles detailed herein, thebacksheet polymeric film is less than about 50 mm wider than theabsorbent core; optionally less than about 40 mm wider, less than about30 mm wider. In one embodiment, the backsheet polymeric film is at leastabout 20 mm more narrow than the chassis width; optionally at leastabout 40 mm more narrow than the chassis width; optionally at leastabout 60 mm more narrow than the chassis width; optionally at leastabout 80 mm more narrow than the chassis width; optionally at leastabout 100 mm more narrow than the chassis width; optionally at leastabout 120 mm more narrow than the chassis width.

In one embodiment of the absorbent articles detailed herein, the legcuff is joined to the topsheet and/or backsheet by a slot coatedadhesive. In one embodiment, at least about 12 gsm of adhesive isapplied; optionally at least about 15 gsm of adhesive is applied;optionally at least about 20 gsm of adhesive is applied; optionally, atleast about 25 gsm of adhesive is applied; optionally at least about 40gsm of adhesive is applied; optionally at least about 60 gsm of adhesiveis applied. In one embodiment, the adhesive is at least about 1 mm wide;optionally at least about 3 mm wide; optionally at least about 7 mmwide. In one embodiment, the adhesive is at least about 2 mm inboard ofthe outboard lateral edge of the film; optionally at least 4 mm inboardof the outboard lateral edge of the film; optionally at least about 6 mminboard of the outboard lateral edge of the film. In one embodiment, theleg cuff is joined to the topsheet and/or backsheet by two overlappingand redundant spiral adhesive sprays; optionally three overlapping andredundant spiral adhesive sprays.

In another embodiment, the descriptions of the invention including thepocket 47 and opening 51 that allow for trapping exudates can be used inconjunction with an article that does not contain an absorbent core.This is useful for a product that is designed to be used in the medicalindustry as it can enable the collection of exudates for analysis easierwithout the exudates being absorbed into the product.

Additional embodiments of exemplary leg gasketing systems 70 that are beuseful in the absorbent articles detailed herein are shown in FIGS.11a-11t of the accompanying drawings.

Waist Gasketing Element

The disposable absorbent article 20 may include at least one waistgasketing element 81 that is attached to both the chassis 22 and the leggasketing system 70. FIG. 12 is a schematic view of an embodiment of thedisposable absorbent article 20 as detailed herein that includes a waistgasketing element 81 in the second waist region 38. FIG. 13 is aclose-up schematic view of the second waist region 38 of FIG. 12. FIG.14 depicts a schematic cross sectional view of the exemplary secondwaist region 38 of FIG. 13 in a flat, uncontracted state, the view takenthrough the longitudinal centerline 100. FIGS. 15-18 also depictschematic cross sectional views of the second waist region 38 of FIG.13. FIGS. 15 and 17 are schematic cross sectional views through line D-Dof FIG. 13. FIGS. 16 and 18 are schematic cross sectional views throughline E-E of FIG. 13.

In one embodiment, the at least one waist gasketing element 81 comprisesa single, continuous web of material. An embodiment having a single webof material may provide a cost advantage over embodiments having morethan one web of material. Further, a waist gasketing element formed fromone web of material may have fewer leaks, as there are no holes createdby bonding more than one web of material. Also, an embodiment having oneweb of material may be more aesthetically pleasing, as few mechanicalbonds are visible. In other embodiments, the waist gasketing element(s)81 may be formed from more than one web of material (e.g., multiple websof material that are joined together to become one web of material, ormultiple distinct webs of material that are separate from the disposableabsorbent article chassis and form part of the waist gasketing element).Herein, locations (e.g., folded edge, material edge, etc.) on the waistgasketing element 81 are detailed in reference to “a web of material” or“a portion of the web of material.” The recitations of “a web ofmaterial” or “the web of material” refer to waist gasketing elementembodiments that may be formed from a single, continuous web ofmaterial, multiple webs of material that are joined together to becomeone web of material, a single material that is folded to form multiplelayers of the same material, a single material that is slit apart andrejoined together, or multiple distinct webs of material that areseparate from the disposable absorbent article chassis and form part ofthe leg gasketing system. All such embodiments are contemplated.

In one embodiment, the waist gasketing element 81 includes an inboardlateral edge 82, an outboard lateral edge 83, and two longitudinal edges84. In some embodiments, the web of material forming the waist gasketingelement 81 is folded longitudinally outward (away from the lateralcenterline 110 of the absorbent article 20) to form the inboard lateraledge 82. In such embodiments, the inboard lateral edge 82 is also thelocation of the waist gasketing element folded edge 89 and the outboardlateral edge 83 is also the location of the waist gasketing elementfirst material edge 90 and the waist gasketing element second materialedge 91. Although an embodiment depicting a waist gasketing element 81with one folded edge 89 and two material edges 90, 91 is shown in FIGS.13-18, alternate constructions of useful waist gasketing elements arecontemplated. For example, an alternate waist gasketing element 81 mayinclude two distinct webs of material and therefore have four materialedges (two on the inboard lateral edge 82, and two on the outboardlateral edge 83). As another example, an alternate waist gasketingelement may have a continuous web material that is formed into havingtwo folded edges (one on the inboard lateral edge 82, and one on theoutboard lateral edge 83) and two material edges.

Further, the waist gasketing element 81 is attached to: 1) the chassis22 of the disposable absorbent article 20 and 2) the leg gasketingsystem 70, such that at least a portion of the outboard lateral edge 83of the waist gasketing element 81 is attached to the chassis 22 and atleast a portion of the outboard lateral edge 83 of the waist gasketingelement 81 is attached to the web of material of the leg gasketingsystem 70; and wherein the inboard lateral edge 82 of the waistgasketing element 81 is unattached to the chassis 22 of the disposableabsorbent article 20. In embodiments that include a waist gasketingelement 81 that has a waist gasketing element folded edge 89, a waistgasketing element first material edge 90, and a waist gasketing elementsecond material edge 91, at least a portion of the web of materialbetween the waist gasketing element folded edge 89 and waist gasketingelement second material edge 91 is attached to the topsheet 24 and/orbacksheet 26 of the chassis 22. The attachment of the waist gasketingelement 81 to the chassis 22 is made through utilization of one or moreoutboard lateral edge bonds 85. As seen in the embodiment of FIGS.12-14, the outboard lateral edge bond 85 attaches at least a portion ofthe waist gasketing element's web of material between the waistgasketing element folded edge 89 and the waist gasketing element secondmaterial edge 91 to the topsheet 24. In one embodiment, the attachmentbond 85 is at the second waist edge 14 of the chassis 22; in otherembodiments, the attachment bond is placed at least 2 mm inboard fromthe waist edge of the chassis; at least 10 mm inboard from the waistedge of the chassis; at least 20 mm inboard from the waist edge of thechassis; at least 50 mm inboard from the waist edge of the chassis; orany range or distance within the range of about 2 mm to about 50 mminboard from the waist edge of the chassis. The outboard lateral edgebond 85 may take the form of glue, heat bond, pressure bond, CPW bonds,or any other bonding method known in the art. In the exemplaryembodiments of FIGS. 12-14, the outboard lateral edge bond 85 takes theform of a glue bond, thermal bond or compression bond.

In embodiments that include a waist gasketing element 81 that has awaist gasketing element folded edge 89, a waist gasketing element firstmaterial edge 90, and a waist gasketing element second material edge 91,at least a portion of the web of material between the waist gasketingelement folded edge 89 and waist gasketing element second material edge91 is attached to the web of material forming the leg gasketing system70. The attachment of the waist gasketing element 81 to the web ofmaterial forming the leg gasketing system 70 is made through utilizationof one or more longitudinal edge bond(s) 86. As seen in the embodimentof FIGS. 12-18, the longitudinal edge bonds 86 attach at least a portionof the waist gasketing element's web of material between the waistgasketing element folded edge 89 and the waist gasketing element secondmaterial edge 91 to the web of material forming the leg gasketing system70. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 15-16, the longitudinal edgebonds 86 are located adjacent to the longitudinal edges 84 of the waistgasketing element 81 (or may be coterminous therewith). In anotherembodiment (not illustrated), the longitudinal edge bonds 86 are locatedadjacent to the inner cuff folded edge 72 of the leg gasketing system 70(or may be coterminous therewith). In the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 17-18, the longitudinal edge bonds 86 are wider than in theembodiment of FIGS. 15-16, and span the distance between 1) thelongitudinal edges 84 of the waist gasketing element 81 and 2) the innercuff folded edge 72 of the leg gasketing system 70. In other words,specifically regarding the longitudinal edge bonds 86 for the embodimentshown in FIGS. 17-18, the waist gasketing element 81 is attached to theleg gasketing system 70 over substantially the entire area that the leggasketing system 70 overlaps with the waist gasketing element 81. Insome embodiments, the waist gasketing element 81 is attached to the leggasketing system 70 over more than about 50%, more than about 60%, morethan about 70%, more than about 80%, more than about 90%, or more thanabout 95%, of the entire area that the leg gasketing system 70 overlapswith the waist gasketing element 81. The longitudinal edge bonds 86 maytake the form of glue, heat bond, pressure bond, CPW bonds, or any otherbonding method known in the art. In the exemplary embodiments of FIGS.12-18, the longitudinal edge bonds 86 take the form of a glue bond,thermal bond or compression bond.

In some embodiments, the portion of the web material between the waistgasketing element folded edge 89 and the waist gasketing element firstmaterial edge 90 is attached to the portion of the web material betweenthe waist gasketing element folded edge 89 and the waist gasketingelement second material edge 91 by at least one waist gasketing elementbond 92. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 12-14, the waistgasketing element bond 92 is located adjacent to the waist gasketingelement first material edge 90 and the waist gasketing element secondmaterial edge 91 (waist gasketing element bond 92 may also becoterminous with the waist gasketing element second material edge 91).The waist gasketing element bond 92 may take the form of glue, heatbond, pressure bond, CPW bonds, or any other bonding method known in theart. In the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 12-14, the waist gasketingelement bond 92 takes the form of a glue bond.

As illustrated in FIGS. 12-18, the inboard lateral edge 82 of the waistgasketing element 81 is unattached to the chassis 22 of the disposableabsorbent article 20. Due to the waist gasketing element 81 beingunattached to the chassis 22, a waist gasketing element pocket 93 isformed. The waist gasketing element pocket 93 is illustrated in FIG. 14.The waist gasketing element pocket 93 includes an inboard lateral edge94 and an outboard lateral edge 95, which define the longitudinal lengthdimension of the waist gasketing element pocket 93. In some embodiments,the inboard lateral edge 94 of the waist gasketing element pocket 93 iscoterminous with the waist gasketing element folded edge 89. In someembodiments, the outboard lateral edge 95 of the waist gasketing elementpocket 93 is coterminous with the outboard lateral edge bond 85. Inanother embodiment, the outboard lateral edge 95 is coterminous with themost outboard bond of the waist gasketing element 81. The waistgasketing element pocket 93 includes an opening 96 which runs a distancealong the inboard lateral edge 94 of the waist gasketing element pocket93.

For the embodiment shown in FIG. 13, the overall longitudinal length ofthe waist gasketing element pocket 93 is the distance from the waistgasketing element folded edge 89 of the waist gasketing element pocketto the outboard lateral edge bond 85. In other words, for the exemplaryembodiment shown in FIG. 13, the longitudinal dimensions of the waistgasketing element pocket 93 are defined by the waist gasketing elementfolded edge 89 and the outboard lateral edge bond 85. In one embodiment,the overall longitudinal length of the waist gasketing element pocket 93measures between about 5 mm and about 100 mm in the longitudinaldirection, or any range or distance within the range of about 5 mm toabout 100 mm; in some embodiments, about 60 mm, about 40 mm, or about 35mm; and in other embodiments the overall longitudinal length measuresbetween about 1 mm and about 30 mm.

For the embodiment shown in FIG. 13, the overall lateral width of thewaist gasketing element 81 is the distance from the longitudinal edge 84of one side of the waist gasketing element 81 to the longitudinal edge84 of the other side of the waist gasketing element. In one embodiment,the overall lateral width of the waist gasketing element 81 measuresbetween about 60 mm and about 200 mm in the lateral direction, or anyrange or distance within the range of about 60 mm to about 200 mm; insome embodiments, about 60 mm, about 100 mm, or about 150 mm; and inother embodiments the overall lateral width measures between about 50 mmand about 300 mm.

When a wearer of an absorbent article has a runny bowel movement, manytimes the runny bowel movement spreads upon defecation and leaks out ofthe absorbent article in an area between the waist region and thewearer's back. Leaks of this type often happen because the snug fitbetween user's body and the attached absorbent article do not allowenough room for the runny bowel movement to remain contained within theabsorbent article during the wearer's movement. One advantage of thewaist gasketing element 81 detailed herein, in combination with the leggasketing system(s) as detailed herein, are the additional pocketedareas (47 and 93) that provide extra void volumes within the leg cuffsand waist region for containment of bodily extrudate (e.g., fecalmaterial). When the wearer moves, a portion of the bodily extrudate willmigrate into the waist gasketing element pocket 93 for containment andbe held/trapped between two layers of nonwoven before it can leak out inan area between the wearer's back and the back waist region of theabsorbent article. Thus, the waist gasketing element 81 detailed hereinreduces leaks. Moreover, the waist gasketing element pocket 93 providesadditional void volume within the waist region to receive the fecalmaterial which helps in isolating the fecal material from wearer's skin.

Further, the waist gasketing element pocket 93 may work in conjunctionwith the leg gasketing system pocket 47 to provide even more void volumewithin the absorbent article to receive fecal material and/or provide aneasier path for fecal material to find the leg gasketing system pocketopening 51. The gasketing action of any elastic material (e.g., legelastics 87, detailed below) within the waist gasketing element 81 mayfunction to lift the inboard lateral edge 82 of the waist gasketingelement 81 away from the chassis 22 of the absorbent article. Thelongitudinal edge bonds 86 of the waist gasketing element 81 attach thewaist gasketing element to the inner cuff 71 and/or the outer cuff 74 ofthe leg gasketing system 70. Accordingly, the gasketing action of anyelastic material (e.g., leg elastics 87) within the waist gasketingelement 81 may also function to lift the inner cuff 71 and/or outer cuff74 of the leg gasketing system 70 away from the chassis 22, thereforeamplifying the opening 51 of the leg gasketing system pocket 51. Withthe opening 51 of the leg gasketing system pocket 51 opened up, thepocket can more readily accept fecal material.

While not being bound by theory, it is believed that the waist gasketingelement 81 can provide a seal to the body which is created by multipleaspects of the invention. First, the waist gasketing element 81 iselasticated and designed to be under tension in use. The tension in useis created by the caregiver in the process of applying the product asshe/he is trying to achieve a snug fit. Through the Capstan effect, thetension created during application and the radius of the body provides aforce between the waist gasketing element and the body which is in thenormal direction with respect to the body. This normal force between thewaist gasketing element 81 and the body provides the initial seal thatcauses bodily extrudate to run between the waist gasketing element 81and the chassis or topsheet, and causes the bodily extrudate to beforced into the waist gasketing element pocket 93. Furthermore, it isknown that rapidly excreted bodily extrudate has a pressure which causesthe distribution of the bodily extrudate throughout the absorbentarticle 20. If the bodily extrudate is trapped between the waistgasketing element 81 and the chassis 22, then the pressure created fromthe bodily extrudate will act to further seal the waist gasketingelement 81 against the body, adding to the normal force created by theaforementioned Capstan effect and creating an even better seal. Sincethe waist gasketing element 81 is sealed to the body, bodily extrudatecan't escape and then an amount of the bodily extrudate is forcedlaterally sideways into the leg gasketing system pocket 47 for storage.

To achieve the maximum effectiveness from the Capstan effect, whichleads to the sealing of the waist gasketing element 81 to the body, theleg gasketing system should ideally be positioned in an area of the bodywhich has a continuous convex surface or a continuous cylindrical shapeor approximation thereof. If the body surface becomes concave or“valley-like” at any point, the waist gasketing element 81 will not beable to form a proper seal between the body and the waist gasketingelement. This will allow exudates to escape through the space betweenthe body and the waist gasketing element 81. Therefore, it important toposition the waist gasketing element 81 above the gluteal groove, insuch a way as to ensure that the body has the right geometry to enablethe seal to be adequately formed. Ideally, the waist gasketing element81 can be positioned at the top of the gluteal groove, 10 mm above thegluteal grove, 25 mm above the gluteal groove, or 50 mm above thegluteal groove.

In addition, it may be useful to make the waist gasketing element 81tall enough so that if the chassis 22 does not fit close to the body,the waist gasketing element can still remain in contact. Additionally,it may be useful to provide enough void volume in the waist gasketingelement pocket 93 such that sufficient amounts of bodily extrudate canreside there. To ensure that the waist gasketing element 81 issufficiently above the gluteal groove and also is tall enough to seal tothe body and create enough void volume, it is advantageous to positionthe waist gasketing element at the top of the absorbent article 20, nearor coincident to the waist edge 13, 14, or as close as possible to thewaist edge. With variability in the placement of the materials in highspeed diaper making applications, it may be necessary to position thewaist gasketing element 81 in such a way as to enable it to be cut apartas a part of the manufacturing process such that a portion of the waistgasketing element 81 is attached to a first absorbent article and theremainder is attached to the next absorbent article in the manufacturingprocess. This ensures that the top edge of the waist gasketing element81 is coterminous to the waist edge 13, 14. Thus, the waist gasketingelement 81 is not spaced down from the waist edge of the absorbentarticle. In other embodiments, the outboard lateral edge 83 of the waistgasketing element 81 is placed 5 mm inboard of the second waist edge 14of chassis 22; whereas in some embodiments, the outboard lateral edge 83of the waist gasketing element is placed at least 10 mm inboard from thewaist edge 13, 14 of the chassis 22; at least 20 mm inboard from thewaist edge of the chassis; at least 50 mm inboard from the waist edge ofthe chassis; or any range or distance within the range of about 2 mm toabout 100 mm inboard from the waist edge of the chassis.

In some embodiments, the waist gasketing element pocket 93 includes athermal or compression bond that defines at least a portion of theperimeter of the pocket (e.g., the entire perimeter of the pocket), suchthat the at least a portion of the pocket 93 (e.g., the entire pocket),can be made visible to a wearer or caregiver as to signal thefunctionality of the pocket 93 prior to use.

In yet another embodiment, the waist gasketing element pocket 93includes a glue or bond that defines at least a portion of the perimeterof the pocket (e.g., the entire perimeter of the pocket), such that theat least a portion of the pocket 93 (e.g., the entire pocket), can bemade visible to a wearer or caregiver as to signal the functionality ofthe pocket 93 prior to use.

In another embodiment, the hydrophobic properties, such as Low SurfaceTension Strikethrough or Hydro Head, can be increased in a least aportion of the waist gasketing element 81, or in the whole waistgasketing element, in such a way that prevents exudates from leakingthrough the materials that comprise the waist gasketing element.Accordingly, this will maintain separation of the contained fecalmaterial from the wearer. Increasing hydrophobic properties can beaccomplished by applying hydrophobic coatings, inks, glues, silicones,additional materials, or any combination thereof, or by any other meansknown in the art. Additionally, it may be advantageous to include anN-fiber material in the waist gasketing element to provide the similarbenefits as associated with the leg cuff, as detailed herein.

In one embodiment, the waist gasketing element 81 and the leg gasketingsystem 70 are the same color. In one embodiment, the waist gasketingelement 81 and the leg gasketing system 70 are different colors. In oneembodiment, there is an additional printing on the waist gasketingelement 81.

In another embodiment, the waist gasketing element 81 includes a printedzone that outlines or defines at least a portion of the waist gasketingelement pocket 93 such that the benefit can be signaled prior to use.

In one embodiment, the waist gasketing element 81 includes elasticmembers 87 positioned in a longitudinal array between the inboardlateral edge 82 and the outboard lateral edge 83 of waist gasketingelement 81. As illustrated in FIG. 14, the elastics 87 are attached tothe portion of the web of material that forms the waist gasketingelement 81 by elastics adhesive 88. In such an embodiment, the elasticsare positioned between 1) the portion of the web of material between thewaist gasketing element folded edge 89 and the waist gasketing elementfirst material edge 90, and 2) the portion of the web material betweenthe waist gasketing element folded edge 89 and the waist gasketingelement second material edge 91. The waist gasketing element 81 maycomprise at least two elastic members 87, at least three elastic members87, at least four elastic members 87, at least five elastic members 87,at least six elastic members 87, at least seven elastic members 87, atleast eight elastic members 87, at least nine elastic members 87, atleast ten elastic members 87, at least eleven elastic members, or atleast twelve elastic members 87.

In one embodiment, the elastic members 87 are spaced at least 2 mm apartfrom one edge of the member to the other edge of the member, optionallyat least 3 mm apart; optionally at least 3.5 mm apart; optionally atleast 4 mm apart; optionally at least 4.5 mm apart; optionally at least5 mm apart; optionally at least 5.5 mm apart; optionally at least 6 mmapart; optionally at least 6.5 mm apart; optionally at least 7 mm apart;optionally at least 7.5 mm apart; optionally at least 8 mm apart;optionally at least 8.5 mm apart; optionally at least 9 mm apart;optionally at least 9.5 mm apart; optionally at least 10 mm apart;optionally at least 10.5 mm apart; optionally at least 11 mm apart;optionally at least 11.5 mm apart; optionally at least 12 mm apart. Inone embodiment, the most inboard elastic members 87 are less than about2 mm from the waist gasketing element folded edge 89; optionally lessthan about 1.5 mm, less than about 1 mm. In one embodiment, the mostoutboard elastic members 87 are less than about 2 mm from the outboardlateral edge 83; optionally less than about 1.5 mm, less than about 1mm.

In one embodiment, the waist gasketing element 81 has four elasticmembers 87 that are each about 4 mm apart. The waist gasketing element81 may have four elastic members that are about 2 mm/7 mm/2 mm apart.The waist gasketing element 81 may have five elastic members that areabout 6.5 mm/7.5 mm/9 mm/11 mm apart. The waist gasketing element 81 mayhave three elastic members 77 that are each about 6 mm apart. The waistgasketing element 81 may have two elastic members that are about 12 mmapart. The waist gasketing element 81 may have four elastic members thatare about 3 mm/6 mm/10 mm/20 mm/30 mm spaced from the inboard lateraledge 82. In some embodiments, the elastic members may be about 2 mm fromthe inboard lateral edge 82, or about 0 mm from the outer inboardlateral edge 82 (or be disposed directly adjacent the inboard foldededge 89).

In one embodiment, the elastic members 87 have a prestrain level of atleast 50%; optionally at least 95%; optionally at least 150%; optionallyat least 200%; optionally at least 250%; optionally at least 300%;optionally at least 350%; or any range distance within the range ofabout 50% to about 350%. The prestrain level is the amount of strain puton the elastics before the elastic is glued down with elastics adhesiveto the waist gasketing element 81 web of material. In some embodiments,the prestrain level of each elastic member 87 can be identical, in otherembodiments, the prestrain levels can be different from elastic toelastic. In one preferred embodiment, the prestrain of elastic member(s)proximate the inboard lateral edge 82 can be higher than the prestrainlevel of the elastic member(s) proximate the outboard lateral edge 90.In this preferred embodiment, the contraction level of the inboardlateral edge 82 is greater than the contraction level of the outboardlateral edge 90.

In one embodiment, the waist gasketing element 81 has ability toelongate in lateral direction from its relaxed state by at least 15 mm,by 35 mm, 40 mm, 50 mm, 60 mm, 70 mm, 80 mm, or even up to 100 mm; orany range or distance within the range of about 15 mm to about 100 mm.

In one embodiment, the decitex (g/mm) type can be different from elasticto elastic in the waist gasketing element 81. In one preferredembodiment, the decitex (g/mm) of elastic member(s) proximate theinboard lateral edge 82 can be higher than the decitex (g/mm) of theelastic member(s) proximate the outboard lateral edge 90. In thisembodiment the contractive forces proximate to the lateral inboard edge82 are higher than the contractive forces in the lateral outboard edge90.

The waist gasketing element 81 may be attached to the chassis 22 and theleg gasketing system 70 when the elastics 87 of the waist gasketingelement are only partially extended, but the chassis of the absorbentarticle 20 is fully extended. In addition, in one embodiment, the waistgasketing element 81 may be fully extended when the corresponding waistregion is fully extended in the lateral direction. In anotherembodiment, the waist gasketing element may not be fully extended whenthe corresponding waist region is fully extended. In other words, insome embodiments, at least some gathers in the web material of the waistgasketing element 81 are still present when attaching the waistgasketing element 81 to the chassis 22 and the leg gasketing system 70,while the materials of the chassis are fully extended. Once attached,the elastics 87 of the waist gasketing element 81 may retract from theirstate of partial extension to a relaxed state. Attaching the waistgasketing element 81 to the chassis 22 in this way allows the waistgasketing element 81 to be only partially extended when the waist regionof the absorbent article is fully extended in use. In other words, insome embodiments, when a user fully extends the waist region of thedisposable absorbent article 20, at least some gathers in the webmaterial of the waist gasketing element 81 are still present.

Although the waist gasketing element 81 described herein has be onlyspecifically detailed as being located in the second waist region 38, insome embodiments the waist gasketing element may be present in the firstwaist region 36. In some embodiments, a waist gasketing element 81 asdetailed herein may be included in both the first waist region 36 andthe second waist region 38. For instance, a wearer who sleeps on theirbelly (front) may benefit from the waist gasketing element 81 beinglocated in the front waist region 36, as to stop urine leakage out ofthe front waist during sleep. As with the waist gasketing elementlocated in the rear waist region, a waist gasketing element in the frontwaist region (i.e., first waist region 36) can also work in conjunctionwith a leg gasketing system pocket for the storage of urine as needed toprevent leakage out of the front of the product.

Opacity Strengthening Patch

In some embodiments of the disposable absorbent articles detailedherein, an opacity strengthening patch 80 may be included as part of thechassis 22. The opacity strengthening patch 80 is an additional layer ofmaterial. The opacity strengthening patch 80 may be connected to the leggasketing system 70, the polymeric film layer, or the backsheet 26. Theopacity strengthening patch 80 may be disposed between the backsheet 26and leg gasketing system 70 in either the first waist region 36, thesecond waist region 38, or both the first waist region 36 and the secondwaist region 38 of the article; the opacity strengthening patch 80 mayoverlap at least one of the leg gasketing system 70 and/or the polymericfilm layer (i.e., inner layer of the backsheet 26). The opacitystrengthening patch 80 may be attached to one or both of the leggasketing system 70 or the polymer film layer using any suitable meanssuch as glue, mechanical bonds, thermal bonds, or the like, so thatloads generated during the application process or during wear can betransferred from the lateral edge of the article to the leg gasketingsystem 70 and/or the polymeric film layer. The opacity strengtheningpatch is useful in providing the strength needed to prevent the articlefrom extending excessively during application and wearing; it also mayprovide opacity at the sides and waist to prevent the skin of the userfrom showing through the article. Thus, the patch 80 may be located atany portion of the chassis 22 where strength and opacity is desirable.Materials suitable to act as the opacity strengthening patch includematerials having a basis weight of at least about 10 gsm, at least about15 gsm, at least about 25 gsm. An opacity strengthening patch usefulherein may exhibit the following tensile properties in the crossdirection: at 2% engineering strain for a 1 inch wide sample, 0.4N; at5% engineering strain for a 1 inch wide sample, 1.25N; at 10%engineering strain for a 1 inch wide sample, 2.5N. One opacitystrengthening patch useful herein is available from Pegas, Znojmo, CZ,as supplier number 803968.

In one embodiment, the opacity strengthening patch 80 is discrete and islocated in the front and back waist regions of the article. In oneembodiment, the opacity strengthening patch is about 70 mm long in thefront, optionally about 90 mm long in the front; optionally about 120 mmlong in the front. In one embodiment, the opacity strengthening patch isabout 70 mm long in the back, optionally about 100 mm long in the back,optionally about 140 mm long in the back. In one embodiment, the opacitystrengthening patch is continuous and spans the entire length of theproduct.

In one embodiment, the opacity strengthening patch has a hunter coloropacity of greater than about 15%, optionally greater than about 25%,optionally greater than about 40%, optionally greater than 60%.

In one embodiment the opacity strengthening patch is laterally outboardof the polymeric film layer. In one embodiment, the opacitystrengthening patch overlaps the polymeric film layer in the lateraldirection such that it can be affixed to the polymeric film in order totransmit laterally directed application and wearing forces from theopacity strengthening patch to the polymeric film layer. Any suitablebonding means known in the art may be used to affix the opacitystrengthening patch to the polymeric film layer. In one embodiment, theopacity strengthening patch overlaps the polymeric film layer by about 5mm, optionally about 10 mm, optionally about 15 mm, optionally about 20mm, optionally less than about 30 mm.

In one embodiment, there is a lateral gap between the opacitystrengthening patch and the polymeric film layer and the opacitystrengthening patch is affixed by any suitable bonding means to the leggasketing system, and the leg gasketing system is affixed to thepolymeric film layer by any suitable bonding means such that applicationand wearing loads can transmit from the opacity strengthening patch tothe gasketing system and then from the gasketing system to the polymericfilm layer. In this embodiment, the gap is preferably less than 30 mm,more preferably less than 20 mm, more preferably less than 10 mm.

In one embodiment, there is a lateral gap between the opacitystrengthening patch and the polymeric film layer; the opacitystrengthening patch may be affixed by any suitable bonding means to theleg gasketing system and the body facing and garment facing sides of theleg gasketing system may be affixed together by any suitable bondingmeans so that the loads from the opacity strengthening patch are sharedby both layers of the leg gasketing system. The leg gasketing system maybe affixed to the polymeric film layer by any suitable bonding meanssuch that application and wearing loads can transmit from the opacitystrengthening patch to the leg gasketing system and then from the leggasketing system to the polymeric film layer.

In one embodiment, the opacity strengthening patch overlaps the leggasketing system in the lateral direction such that it can be affixedsecurely to the opacity strengthening patch layer by any suitablebonding means as a way to transmit application and wearing forces fromthe opacity strengthening patch to the leg gasketing system. In thisembodiment, the opacity strengthening patch may overlap the leggasketing system by about 5 mm, optionally about 10 mm, optionally lessthan about 15 mm, optionally less than about 25 mm.

In one embodiment the leg gasketing system has about the same lateraltensile strength properties as the opacity strengthening patch. In oneembodiment the combined properties of the leg gasketing system and thebacksheet nonwoven outer cover has about the same lateral tensilestrength as the opacity strengthening patch. In another embodiment theoutercover nonwoven has very low lateral strength between about 0% andabout 10% engineering strain. In one embodiment, the outercover nonwovenmay exhibit the following tensile properties: at 10% engineering strainfor a 1 inch wide sample, 0.4N.

Construction Materials

It is recognized that there are many combinations of material lateraltensile properties that could form a substantially suitable forcetransmission pathway in the waist region or the article withoutexcessive lateral stretch in the waist region, and that the materialforce pathways may go from the opacity strengthening patch directly intothe polymeric film layer or into the polymeric film layer through avariety of other layers in the region immediately outboard the polymericfilm layer. These layers may include the topsheet, backsheet nonwoven,cuff, absorbent assembly, leg gasketing system, or any other layer thatis located in a region adjacent to the polymeric film layer.

In one embodiment, the material of the leg gasketing system 70 is madefrom a substantially liquid impervious material. The material may beselected from the group consisting of an SMS nonwoven, SMMS nonwovenmaterial, or a nonwoven component layer comprising “N-fibers”.

Various nonwoven fabric webs may comprise spunbond, meltblown, spunbond(“SMS”) webs comprising outer layers of spunbond thermoplastics (e.g.,polyolefins) and an interior layer of meltblown thermoplastics. In oneembodiment of the present invention, the leg gasketing cuff 70 comprisesa nonwoven component layer having fine fibers (“N-fibers”) with anaverage diameter of less than 1 micron (an “N-fiber layer”) may be addedto, or otherwise incorporated with, other nonwoven component layers toform a nonwoven web of material. In some embodiments, the N-fiber layermay be used to produce a SNS nonwoven web or SMNS nonwoven web, forexample.

The leg gasketing cuff 70 may comprise a first nonwoven component layercomprising fibers having an average diameter in the range of about 8microns to about 30 microns, a second nonwoven component layercomprising fibers having a number-average diameter of less than about 1micron, a mass-average diameter of less than about 1.5 microns, and aratio of the mass-average diameter to the number-average diameter lessthan about 2, and a third nonwoven component layer comprising fibershaving an average diameter in the range of about 8 microns to about 30microns. The second nonwoven component layer is disposed intermediatethe first nonwoven component layer and the third nonwoven componentlayer.

The N-fibers may be comprised of a polymer, e.g., selected frompolyesters, including PET and PBT, polylactic acid (PLA), alkyds,polyolefins, including polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), andpolybutylene (PB), olefinic copolymers from ethylene and propylene,elastomeric polymers including thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU) andstyrenic block-copolymers (linear and radial di- and tri-blockcopolymers such as various types of Kraton), polystyrenes, polyamides,PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoates) and e.g. PHB (polyhydroxubutyrate), andstarch-based compositions including thermoplastic starch, for example.The above polymers may be used as homopolymers, copolymers, e.g.,copolymers of ethylene and propylene, blends, and alloys thereof. TheN-fiber layer may be bonded to the other nonwoven component layers byany suitable bonding technique, such as the calender bond process, forexample, also called thermal point bonding.

In some embodiments, the use of an N-fiber layer in a nonwoven web mayprovide a low surface tension barrier that is as high as other nonwovenwebs that have been treated with a hydrophobic coating or a hydrophobicmelt-additive, and still maintain a low basis weight (e.g., less than 15gsm or, alternatively, less than 13 gsm). The use of the N-fiber layermay also provide a soft and breathable (i.e., air permeable) nonwovenmaterial that, at least in some embodiments, may be used in single weblayer configurations in applications which previously used double weblayer configurations. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the use of theN-fiber layer may at least reduce the undesirable migration ofhydrophilic surfactants toward the web and, therefore, may ultimatelyresult in better leak protection for an associated absorbent article.Also, when compared to an SMS web having a similar basis weight, the useof a nonwoven web comprising the N-fiber layer may decrease the numberof defects (i.e., holes or pinholes through the mechanical bond site)created during the mechanical bonding process. N-fibers are furtherdiscussed in WO 2005/095700 and U.S. patent pplication Ser. No.13/024,844.

In one embodiment, the inner cuff 71 web of material has a hydrostatichead of greater than about 2 mbar, greater than about 3 mbar, greaterthan about 4 mbar. In one embodiment, the outer cuff 74 web of materialhas a hydrostatic head of less than about 200 mbar, less than about 100mbar, less than about 75 mbar, less than about 50 mbar, less than about25 mbar, less than about 15 mbar.

In one embodiment, the folded outer cuff web of material has a basisweight of 10 gsm; optionally 13 gsm; optionally 15 gsm; optionally 18gsm.

In one embodiment, the inner cuff 71 web of material has an opacity offrom about 15% to about 50% hunter opacity; optionally from about 20% toabout 45% hunter opacity. In one embodiment, the outer cuff 74 web ofmaterial has an opacity of from about 45% to about 75% hunter opacity;optionally from about 50% to about 70% hunter opacity; optionally lessthan about 75% hunter opacity; optionally less than about 70% hunteropacity.

In one embodiment, the inner cuff 71 web of material has an airpermeability of less than about 50 m³/m²/min; optionally less than about45 m³/m²/min. In one embodiment, the outer cuff 74 web of material hasan air permeability of greater than about 5 m³/m²/min; optionallygreater than about 10 m³/m²/min; optionally greater than about 15m³/m²/min; optionally greater than about 20 m³/m²/min.

In one embodiment, the inner cuff 71 web of material has a WVTR of lessthan about 5500 g/m²/24 hrs; optionally less than about 5400 g/m²/24hrs. In one embodiment, the outer cuff 74 web of material has a WVTR ofgreater than about 4250 g/m²/24 hrs; optionally greater than about 4500g/m²/24 hrs; optionally greater than about 5000 g/m²/24 hrs; optionallygreater than about 5250 g/m²/24 hrs; optionally greater than about 5500g/m²/24 hrs.

The gasketing cuffs 70 may be substantially inelastic or may beelastically extensible to dynamically fit at the wearer's leg. Thegasketing cuff 70 may be formed by one or more elastic members 77 and 78(such as elastic strands) operatively joined to the topsheet 24,backsheet 26, or any other suitable substrate used in the formation ofthe absorbent article 20. Suitable gasketing cuff construction isfurther described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,860,003

The inner cuff 71 may span the entire longitudinal length of theabsorbent article 20. The inner cuff 71 may be formed by a flap and anelastic member 78 (such as elastic strands). The inner cuff 71 may be acontinuous extension of any of the existing materials or elements thatform the absorbent article 20.

The inner cuff 71 may comprise a variety of substrates such as plasticfilms and woven or nonwoven webs of natural fibers (e.g., wood or cottonfibers), synthetic fibers (e.g., polyester or polypropylene fibers), ora combination of natural and synthetic fibers. In certain embodiments,the flap may comprise a nonwoven web such as spunbond webs, meltblownwebs, carded webs, and combinations thereof (e.g., spunbond-meltblowncomposites and variants). Laminates of the aforementioned substrates mayalso be used to form the flap. A particularly suitable flap may comprisea nonwoven available from BBA Fiberweb, Brentwood, Tenn. as suppliercode 30926. A particularly suitable elastic member is available fromInvista, Wichita, Kans. as supplier code T262P. Further description ofdiapers having inner cuffs and suitable construction of such cuffs maybe found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,808,178 and 4,909,803. The elastic member78 may span the longitudinal length of the inner cuff 71. In otherembodiments, the elastic member 78 may span at least the longitudinallength of the inner cuff 71 within the crotch region 37. It is desirablethat the elastic member 78 exhibits sufficient elasticity such that theinner cuff 71 remains in contact with the wearer during normal wear,thereby enhancing the barrier properties of the inner cuff 71. Theelastic member 78 may be connected to the flap at opposing longitudinalends. In certain embodiments, the flap may be folded over onto itself soas to encircle the elastic member 78.

The inner cuff 71 and/or outer cuff 74 may be treated, in full or inpart, with a lotion, as described above with regard to topsheets, or maybe fully or partially coated with a hydrophobic surface coating asdetailed in U.S. application Ser. No. 11/055,743, which was filed Feb.10, 2005. Hydrophobic surface coatings usefully herein may include anonaqueous, solventless, multicomponent silicone composition. Thesilicone composition includes at least one silicone polymer and issubstantially free of aminosilicones. A particularly suitablehydrophobic surface coating is available from Dow Corning MI, Salzburgas supplier code 0010024820.

EXAMPLES

Air Opacity Permeability WVTR % m³/m²/min g/m²/24 hrs Outer Inner OuterInner Outer Inner Product Lot No. Cuff Cuff Cuff Cuff Cuff CuffPrototype NA 58.7 ± 2.2 37.6 ± 3.2 26.8 ± 5.6  36.9 ± 4.6 5905 ± 1295224 ± 87 N-Fiber Prototype NA 65.8 ± 1.8 39.0 ± 1.0 65.6 ± 11.5 38.5 ±3.8 5748 ± 276  5193 ± 145 SMS Pampers 0089U011390422 80.1 ± 0.4 38.8 ±3.8 2.1 ± 1.0 56.1 ± 6.3 4063 ± 67   5252 ± 157 BabyDry Luvs1047U011390518 85.3 ± 1.2 36.4 ± 3.4 3.1 ± 1.9 90.2 ± 9.3  304 ± 1445244 ± 26 Huggies BI006912B 80.1 ± 1.0 45.4 ± 4.2 2.6 ± 0.4  45.0 ± 15.73673 ± 190 5581 ± 90 Little Movers Huggies NM1275U1F0755 72.7 ± 2.2 53.6± 2.3 4.4 ± 1.1 145.2 ± 23.2 375 ± 77 5688 ± 85 Supreme 32 dyneHydrohead Strikethrough mbar Sec Outer Inner Outer Inner Product Lot No.Cuff Cuff Cuff Cuff Prototype NA 16.8 ± 2.1 12.3 ± 1.3  21.0 ± 3.5  9.2± 1.5 N-Fiber Prototype NA 16.3 ± 1.8 10.0 ± 1.7  15.6 ± 1.9  7.6 ± 1.4SMS Pampers 0089U011390422 >200 6.7 ± 0.8 >100 10.1 ± 0.5 BabyDry Luvs1047U011390518 >200 6.5 ± 1.0 >100 11.8 ± 1.4 Huggies BI006912B >200 8.3± 1.3 >100 14.3 ± 3.5 Little Movers Huggies NM1275U1F0755 >200 9.2 ±1.8 >100 14.6 ± 3.1 Supreme Results are expressed as the average ± onestandard deviation Prototype N-Fiber is a 13 gsm SMNS available fromPolymer Group Inc Prototype SMS is a 15 gsm SMS(Spunbonded-Meltblown-Spunbonded) nonwoven available from Fibertex underthe Comfort Line

Test Methods Opacity Method

Opacity is measured using a 0° illumination/45° detection,circumferential optical geometry, spectrophotometer with a computerinterface such as the HunterLab Lab Scan XE running Universal Software(available from Hunter Associates Laboratory Inc., Reston, Va.) orequivalent instrument. Instrument calibration and measurements are madeusing the standard white and black calibration plates provided by thevendor. All testing is performed in a room maintained at 23±2° C. and50±2% relative humidity.

The spectrophotometer is conFIG.d for the XYZ color scale, D65illuminant, 10° standard observer, with UV filter set to nominal. Theinstrument is standardized according to the manufacturer's proceduresusing the 0.7 inch port size and 0.5 inch area view. After calibration,the software is set to the Y opacity procedure which prompts theoperator to cover the sample with either the white or black calibrationtile during the measurement.

Articles are pre-conditioned at 23° C.±2 C.° and 50%±2% relativehumidity for two hours prior to testing. To obtain a specimen, thearticle is stretched flat on a bench, body facing surface upward, andthe total longitudinal length of the article is measured. A testing siteon the inner and outer cuffs is selected at the longitudinal midpoint ofthe article. Using scissors, a test specimen is cut 60 mm long by theentire height of the inner cuff centered at the longitudinal midpoint ofthe left cuff. Next, a second test specimen is cut, this time from theouter cuff, 60 mm long by the entire height of the outer cuff, centeredat the longitudinal midpoint of the left outer cuff. In like fashion,inner and outer cuff specimens are prepared from the cuffs on the rightside of the article.

The specimen is placed over the measurement port. The specimen shouldcompletely cover the port with the surface corresponding to theinner-facing surface of the cuff directed toward the port. The specimenis gently extended until taut in its longitudinal direction so that thecuff lies flat against the port plate. Adhesive tape is applied tosecure the cuff to the port plate in its extended state for testing.Tape should not cover any portion of the measurement port. The specimenis then covered with the white standard plate. A reading is taken, thenthe white tile is removed and replaced with the black standard tilewithout moving the specimen. A second reading is taken, and the opacityis calculated as follows:

Opacity=(Y value_((black backing)) /Y value_((white backing)))×100

Specimens from five identical articles (10 inner cuff (5 left and 5right) and 10 outer cuff (5 left and 5 right)) are analyzed and theiropacity results recorded. The average opacity for the inner cuffs andthe outer cuffs are calculated and report separately, each to thenearest 0.01%.

Water Vapor Transmission Rate Method

Water Vapor Transmission Rate (WVTR) is measured using the wet cupapproach. A cylindrical cup is filled with water, maintaining a constantheadspace between the water surface and a specimen sealed over the cup'supper opening. The vapor loss is measured gravimetrically after heatingthe assembled cup for a specified time in an oven. All testing isperformed in a room maintained at 23° C.±2 C.° and 50%±2% relativehumidity.

Articles are preconditioned at 23° C.±2 C.° and 50%±2% relative humidityfor two hours prior to testing. The article stretched flat on a bench,body facing surface upward, and the total longitudinal length of thearticle is measured. A testing site on the inner and outer cuffs isselected at the longitudinal midpoint of the article. Using scissors, atest specimen is cut 60 mm long by the entire height of the inner cuffcentered at the longitudinal midpoint of the left cuff. Next, a secondtest specimen is cut, this time from the outer cuff, 60 mm long by theentire height of the outer cuff, centered at the longitudinal midpointof the left outer cuff. In like fashion, inner and outer cuff specimensfrom the cuffs on the right side of the article are prepared.

Glass straight walled, cylindrical vials, 95 mm tall with a 17.8 mminternal diameter at the opening are used as WVTR test vials. Each testvial is filled with distilled water accurately to a level 25.0 mm±0.1 mmfrom the upper lip of the vial's opening. The specimen is placed,inner-facing surface of the cuff downward, over the vial's opening. Thespecimen is gently pulled taut and secured around the vial'scircumference with an elastic band. The specimen is further sealed bywrapping Teflon tape around the vial's circumference. A preferred Teflontape is a thread sealant tape 0.25″ wide available from McMaster Carr(cat. No. 4591K11) or equivalent. The Teflon tape is applied up to thetop edge of the vial but should not cover any portion of the vial'sopening. The mass of the vial assembly (vial+specimen+sealing tape) isweighed to the nearest 0.0001 gram. This is the starting mass.

The vial assemblies are placed upright in a mechanical convection oven(e.g. Lindberg/BlueM oven available from ThermoScientific or equivalent)maintained at 38±1° C. for 24 hours, taking care to avoid contactbetween the water in the vials and the specimens. After 24 hours haselapsed, the vial assemblies are removed from the oven and allowed tocome to room temperature. The mass of each vial assembly is measured tothe nearest 0.0001 gram. This is the final mass.

The WVTR is calculated using the following equation:

WVTR (g/m ²/24 hrs)=([starting mass (g)−final mass (g)]/surface area (m²))/24 hrs

Specimens from five identical articles (10 inner cuff (5 left and 5right) and 10 outer cuff (5 left and 5 right)) are analyzed and theirWVTR results recorded. The average WVTR for the inner cuffs and theouter cuffs are each reported separately to the nearest 1 g/m²/24 hrs.

Air Permeability Test

Air permeability is tested using a TexTest FX3300 Air PermeabilityTester (available from Advanced Testing Instruments, Greer, S.C.) with acustom made 1 cm² circular aperture (also available from AdvancedTesting Instruments) or equivalent instrument. The instrument iscalibrated according to the manufacturer's procedures. All testing isperformed in a room maintained at 23° C.±2 C.° and 50%±2% relativehumidity.

The articles are pre-conditioned at 23° C.±2 C.° and 50%±2% relativehumidity for two hours prior to testing. To obtain a specimen, thearticle is stretched flat on a bench, body facing surface upward, andthe total longitudinal length of the article is measured. A testing siteon the inner and outer cuffs is selected at the longitudinal midpoint ofthe article. Using scissors, a test specimen is cut 60 mm long by theentire height of the inner cuff centered at the longitudinal midpoint ofthe left cuff. Next, a second test specimen is cut, this time from theouter cuff, 60 mm long by the entire height of the outer cuff, centeredat the longitudinal midpoint of the left outer cuff. In like fashion,inner and outer cuff specimens are prepared from the cuffs on the rightside of the article.

The specimen is centered over the measurement port. The specimen shouldcompletely cover the port with the surface corresponding to theinward-facing surface of the cuff directed toward the port. The specimenis gently extended in its longitudinal direction until taut so that thecuff lies flat across the port. Adhesive tape is applied to secure thecuff across the port in its extended state for testing. Tape should notcover any portion of the measurement port. The test pressure is set toallow air to pass through the specimen. For non-woven cuffs the pressureis typically set for 125 Pa and for cuffs containing films typically2125 Pa is used. The sample ring is closed and the measuring range isadjusted until the range indicator shows green to indicate that themeasurement is within the accepted limits of the instrument. The airpermeability is recorded to the nearest 0.1 m³/m²/min.

Hydrostatic Head Test

Hydrostatic head is tested using a TexTest FX3000 Hydrostatic HeadTester (available from Advanced Testing Instruments, Greer, S.C.) with acustom made 1.5 cm² circular measurement port (also available fromAdvanced Testing Instruments). Two annular sleeve rings, the samedimensions as the gaskets around the measurement ports, are cut from thestandard protective sleeves for fine nonwovens (part FX3000-NWH,available from Advanced Testing Instruments). The sleeve rings are thenadhered with two-sided adhesive tape to the sample facing surfaces ofthe upper and lower gaskets of the TexTest instrument to protect thespecimen during clamping. Standardize the instrument according to themanufacturer's procedures. All testing is performed in a room maintainedat about 23° C.±2 C.° and about 50%±2% relative humidity.

Precondition the articles at about 23° C.±2 C.° and about 50%±2%relative humidity for two hours prior to testing. To obtain a specimen,lay the article stretched flat on a bench, body facing surface upward,and measure the total longitudinal length of the article. Select atesting site on the inner and outer cuffs, at the longitudinal midpointof the article. Using scissors cut a test specimen 70 mm long by theentire height of the inner cuff centered at the longitudinal midpoint ofthe left cuff. Next cut a second test specimen, this time from the outercuff, 70 mm long by the entire height of the outer cuff, centered at thelongitudinal midpoint of the left outer cuff In like fashion, prepareinner and outer cuff specimens from the cuffs on the right side of thearticle.

Place the specimen centered over the port of the upper test head. Thespecimen should completely cover the port with the surface correspondingto the outward-facing surface of the cuff directed toward the port(inner-facing surface will then be facing the water). Gently extend thespecimen taut in its longitudinal direction so that the cuff lies flatagainst the upper test plate. Adhesive tape is applied to secure thecuff to the test plate in its extended state for testing. Tape shouldnot cover any portion of the measurement port.

Fill the TexTest syringe with distilled water, adding the water throughthe measurement port of the lower test plate. The water level should befilled to the top of the lower gasket. Mount the upper test head ontothe instrument and lower the test head to make a seal around thespecimen. The test speed is set to 3 mbar/min for samples that have ahydrostatic head of 50 mbar or less and a speed of 60 mbar/min forsamples with a hydrostatic head above 50 mbar. Start the test andobserve the specimen surface to detect water droplets penetrating thesurface. The test is terminated when one drop is detected on the surfaceof the specimen or the pressure exceeds 200 mbar. Record the pressure tothe nearest 0.5 mbar or record as >200 mbar if there was no penetrationdetected.

A total of five identical articles (10 inner cuff and 10 outer cuffspecimens) are analyzed and their hydrostatic head results recorded.Calculate and report the average hydrostatic head for the inner cuffsand the outer cuffs and report each to the nearest 0.1 mbar.

Low Surface Tension Fluid Strikethrough Time Test

The low surface tension fluid strikethrough time test is used todetermine the amount of time it takes a specified quantity of a lowsurface tension fluid, discharged at a prescribed rate, to fullypenetrate a sample of a web (and other comparable barrier materials)which is placed on a reference absorbent pad.

For this test, the reference absorbent pad is 5 plies of Ahlstrom grade989 filter paper (10 cm×10 cm) and the test fluid is a 32 mN/m lowsurface tension fluid.

This test is designed to characterize the low surface tension fluidstrikethrough performance (in seconds) of webs intended to provide abarrier to low surface tension fluids, such as runny BM, for example.

Lister Strikethrough Tester: The instrumentation is like described inEDANA ERT 153.0-02 section 6 with the following exception: thestrike-through plate has a star-shaped orifice of 3 slots angled at 60degrees with the narrow slots having a 10.0 mm length and a 1.2 mm slotwidth. This equipment is available from Lenzing Instruments (Austria)and from W. Fritz Metzger Corp (USA). The unit needs to be set up suchthat it does not time out after 100 seconds.

Reference Absorbent Pad: Ahlstrom Grade 989 filter paper, in 10 cm×10 cmareas, is used. The average strikethrough time is 3.3+0.5 seconds for 5plies of filter paper using the 32 mN/m test fluid and without the websample. The filter paper may be purchased from Empirical ManufacturingCompany, Inc. (EMC) 7616 Reinhold Drive Cincinnati, Ohio 45237.

Test Fluid: The 32 mN/m surface tension fluid is prepared with distilledwater and 0.42+/−0.001 g/liter Triton-X 100. All fluids are kept atambient conditions.

Electrode-Rinsing Liquid: 0.9% sodium chloride (CAS 7647-14-5) aqueoussolution (9 g NaCl per 1L of distilled water) is used.

Test Procedure

All testing is performed in a room maintained at about 23° C.±2 C.° andabout 50%±2% relative humidity. The Ahlstrom filter paper and testarticles are conditioned in this controlled environment for 24 hours and2 hours before testing.

Ensure that the surface tension is 32 mN/m+/−1 mN/m. Otherwise remakethe test fluid.

Prepare the 0.9% NaCl aqueous electrode rinsing liquid.

Ensure that the strikethrough target (3.3+/−0.5 seconds) for theReference Absorbent Pad is met by testing 5 plies with the 32 mN/m testfluid as follows:

Neatly stack 5 plies of the Reference Absorbent Pad onto the base plateof the strikethrough tester.

Place the strikethrough plate over the 5 plies and ensure that thecenter of the plate is over the center of the paper. Center thisassembly under the dispensing funnel.

Ensure that the upper assembly of the strikethrough tester is lowered tothe pre-set stop point.

Ensure that the electrodes are connected to the timer.

Turn the strikethrough tester “on” and zero the timer.

Using the 5 mL fixed volume pipette and tip, dispense 5 mL of the 32mN/m test fluid into the funnel.

Open the magnetic valve of the funnel (by depressing a button on theunit, for example) to discharge the 5 mL of test fluid. The initial flowof the fluid will complete the electrical circuit and start the timer.The timer will stop when the fluid has penetrated into the ReferenceAbsorbent Pad and fallen below the level of the electrodes in thestrikethrough plate.

Record the time indicated on the electronic timer.

Remove the test assembly and discard the used Reference Absorbent Pad.Rinse the electrodes with the 0.9% NaCl aqueous solution to “prime” themfor the next test. Dry the depression above the electrodes and the backof the strikethrough plate, as well as wipe off the dispenser exitorifice and the bottom plate or table surface upon which the filterpaper is laid.

Repeat this test procedure for a minimum of 3 replicates to ensure thestrikethrough target of the Reference Absorbent Pad is met. If thetarget is not met, the Reference Absorbent Pad may be out of spec andshould not be used.

After the Reference Absorbent Pad performance has been verified,nonwoven web samples may be tested.

Precondition the test articles at about 23° C.±2 C.° and about 50%±2%relative humidity for two hours prior to testing. To obtain a specimen,lay the article stretched flat on a bench, body facing surface upward,and measure the total longitudinal length of the article. Select atesting site on the inner and outer cuffs, at the longitudinal midpointof the article. Using scissors cut a test specimen 70 mm long by theentire height of the inner cuff centered at the longitudinal midpoint ofthe left cuff. Next cut a second test specimen, this time from the outercuff, 70 mm long by the entire height of the outer cuff, centered at thelongitudinal midpoint of the left outer cuff In like fashion, prepareinner and outer cuff specimens from the cuffs on the right side of thearticle.

Place the specimen centered over the port of the strike through plate.The specimen should completely cover the port with the surfacecorresponding to the body-facing surface of the cuff directed toward theport. Gently extend the specimen taut in its longitudinal direction sothat the cuff lies flat against the upper test plate. Adhesive tape isapplied to secure the cuff to the test plate in its extended state fortesting. Tape should not cover any portion of the measurement port.

Ensure that the upper assembly of the strikethrough tester is lowered tothe pre-set stop point.

Ensure that the electrodes are connected to the timer. Turn thestrikethrough tester “on” and zero the timer.

Run as described above.

Repeat this procedure for three articles. Average the six values andreport as the 32 mN/m low surface tension strikethrough time to thenearest 0.1 seconds.

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood asbeing strictly limited to the exact numeral values recited. Instead,unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean boththe recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding thatvalue. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean“about 40 mm”.

All documents cited in the Detailed Description of the Invention are, inrelevant part, incorporated herein by reference; the citation of anydocument is not to be construed as an admission that it is prior artwith respect to the present invention. To the extent that any meaning ordefinition of a term in this written document conflicts with any meaningor definition of the term in a document incorporated by reference, themeaning or definition assigned to the term in this written documentshall govern.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have beenillustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in theart that various other changes and modifications can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is thereforeintended to cover in the appended claims all such changes andmodifications that are within the scope of this invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A disposable absorbent article for wearing aboutthe lower torso of a wearer, the disposable absorbent articlecomprising: a first waist region, a second waist region, a crotch regiondisposed between the first and second waist regions; a first waist edgeand a second waist edge; and a first longitudinal edge and a secondlongitudinal edge; wherein the disposable absorbent article comprises achassis comprising:) 1.) a topsheet;) 2.) a backsheet; and 3.) anabsorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet; whereinthe disposable absorbent article further comprises a leg gasketingsystem and at least one waist gasketing element; wherein the leggasketing system comprises a web of material forming an inner cuff andan outer cuff; wherein the inner cuff comprises an inner cuff foldededge and an inner cuff material edge and the outer cuff comprises anouter cuff folded edge and an outer cuff material edge, such that theweb of material is folded laterally inward to form the outer cuff foldededge and folded laterally outward to form the inner cuff folded edge;wherein the at least one waist gasketing element has an inboard lateraledge, an outboard lateral edge, and two longitudinal edges; the at leastone waist gasketing element comprising at least one elastic material;wherein the at least one waist gasketing element is attached to: 1) thechassis of the disposable absorbent article and 2) the leg gasketingsystem, such that at least a portion of the outboard lateral edge of thewaist gasketing element is attached to the chassis and at least aportion of the outboard lateral edge of the waist gasketing element isattached to the web of material forming the leg gasketing system; andwherein the inboard lateral edge of the waist gasketing element isunattached to the chassis of the disposable absorbent article.
 2. Thedisposable absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the at least oneelastic material of the waist gasketing element is an elastic strand. 3.The disposable absorbent article of claim 2, wherein the waist gasketingelement comprises at least four elastic strands.
 4. The disposableabsorbent article of claim 1, wherein the at least one elastic materialof the waist gasketing element is an elastic film or an elastomericnonwoven.
 5. The disposable absorbent article of claim 1, wherein theoutboard lateral edge of the waist gasketing element is coterminous withthe second waist edge of the disposable absorbent article.
 6. Thedisposable absorbent article of claim 1, wherein at least a portion ofthe inboard lateral edge of the waist gasketing element is attached tothe leg gasketing system.
 7. The disposable absorbent article of claim1, wherein at least a portion of each of the two longitudinal edges ofthe waist gasketing element are attached to the leg gasketing system. 8.The disposable absorbent article of claim 1, wherein an entire length ofeach of the two longitudinal edges of the waist gasketing element areattached to the leg gasketing system.
 9. The disposable absorbentarticle of claim 1, wherein the waist gasketing element is attached tothe leg gasketing system over substantially an entire area that the leggasketing system overlaps with the waist gasketing element.
 10. Thedisposable absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the at least oneelastic material of the waist gasketing element is only partiallyextended when the respective waist region is fully extended.
 11. Thedisposable absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the inner cuff has anopacity of from about 15% to about 50% hunter opacity and the outer cuffhas an opacity of from about 45% to about 75% hunter opacity.
 12. Thedisposable absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the inner cuff has anair permeability of less than about 50 m³/m²/min and the outer cuff hasan air permeability of greater than about 5 m³/m²/min.
 13. Thedisposable absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the inner cuff has aWVTR of less than about 5500 g/m²/24 hrs and the outer cuff has a WVTRof greater than about 4250 g/m²/24 hrs.
 14. The disposable absorbentarticle of claim 1, wherein the leg gasketing system extends from thefirst waist edge to the second waist edge.
 15. The disposable absorbentarticle of claim 1, wherein the at least one of the leg gasketing systemand the at least one waist gasketing element comprises an N-fibermaterial.
 16. The disposable absorbent article of claim 1, wherein thedisposable absorbent article is a pant-type diaper.
 17. The disposableabsorbent article of claim 1, wherein the leg gasketing system pocketcomprises a hydrophobic coating.
 18. A package comprising at least tendisposable absorbent articles for wearing about the lower torso of awearer, the disposable absorbent articles comprising: a first waistregion, a second waist region, a crotch region disposed between thefirst and second waist regions; a first waist edge and a second waistedge; and a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge;wherein the disposable absorbent articles comprise a chassiscomprising:) 1.) a topsheet;) 2.) a backsheet; and 3.) an absorbent coredisposed between the topsheet and the backsheet; wherein the disposableabsorbent articles further comprise a leg gasketing system and at leastone waist gasketing element; wherein the leg gasketing system comprisesa web of material forming an inner cuff and an outer cuff; wherein theinner cuff comprises an inner cuff folded edge and an inner cuffmaterial edge and the outer cuff comprises an outer cuff folded edge andan outer cuff material edge, such that the web of material is foldedlaterally inward to form the outer cuff folded edge and folded laterallyoutward to form the inner cuff folded edge; wherein the at least onewaist gasketing element has an inboard lateral edge, an outboard lateraledge, and two longitudinal edges; the at least one waist gasketingelement comprising at least one elastic material. wherein the at leastone waist gasketing element is attached to: 1) the chassis of thedisposable absorbent article and 2) the leg gasketing system, such thatat least a portion of the outboard lateral edge of the waist gasketingelement is attached to the chassis and at least a portion of theoutboard lateral edge of the waist gasketing element is attached to theweb of material forming the leg gasketing system; and wherein theinboard lateral edge of the waist gasketing element is unattached to thechassis of the disposable absorbent article.
 19. The package of claim18, wherein the waist gasketing element comprises at least four elasticstrands.
 20. The package of claim 18, wherein the outboard lateral edgeof the waist gasketing element is coterminous with the second waist edgeof the disposable absorbent article.
 21. The disposable absorbentarticle of claim 1, wherein the at least one elastic material of the atleast one waist gasketing element comprises a first elastic memberproximate the inboard lateral edge of the at least one waist gasketingelement and a second elastic member proximate the outboard lateral edgeof the least one waist gasketing element, wherein the prestrain level ofthe first elastic member is higher than the prestrain level of thesecond elastic member.
 22. The disposable absorbent article of claim 1,wherein the at least one elastic material of the at least one waistgasketing element comprises a first elastic member proximate the inboardlateral edge of the at least one waist gasketing element and a secondelastic member proximate the outboard lateral edge of the least onewaist gasketing element, wherein the decitex of the first elastic memberis higher than the decitex of the second elastic member.